Chapter 101: A Complete Perspective of the Invaders
The analysis of the battle logs from Tefen, conducted by Ringo, has been completed.
“It is believed that some external factor caused a meaningful message or image to manifest within the ego calculation area of the Brain Unit, leading to a transition into Isolation Mode due to the high possibility of hacking.”
“The ego calculation area…?”
Hearing this unfamiliar term, Commander Eve tilted her head in confusion. However, it was only natural, as she did not possess extensive knowledge about the Brain Unit.
“Yes, Ma’am. The ego calculation area is where the AI engages in cognitive activities referred to as consciousness or ego within the neural network. No electromagnetic waves have been detected, so it is presumed that some undetectable means acted upon the neural network to send a message or image.”
“…? …”
Commander Eve continued to ponder for a moment.
“Hmm… So, it’s something like telepathy or mental communication, is that it?”
“Yes, Ma’am. That possibility is quite high. The principle remains unclear, but the fact that the results were observed as a scientific phenomenon is encouraging. If a similar occurrence happens again, we may be able to prevent the transition into Isolation Mode to some extent.”
“I see. But even so, it’s only to some extent.”
“Yes, Ma’am. The ability to directly interfere with the neural network of the Brain Unit means that the AI’s consciousness can be forcibly altered. Until we can implement magical defenses, we have no choice but to add a jailer function.”
It seems that a thorough analysis of magical technology will be necessary. Ideally, we would like to obtain samples from the Selket species, but we certainly do not want to provoke Tefen. It is best to avoid unnecessary stimulation. This would mean capturing other Selket swarms or something similar.
“They were moving as if they were communicating over long distances, weren’t they?”
“Yes, Ma’am. If we carelessly intervene, we risk inviting additional threats.”
If we take action, we must consider the possibility that it will be perceived as an attack or invasion, leading to hostility. It would be ideal if distance could sever their long-range communication, but there is no way to confirm that.
“Hmm… Let’s put that on hold. For now, our priority is oil.”
Oil extraction is proceeding smoothly. The multi-wheeled connected transport vehicles are loading the extracted oil and transferring it to the tanks on the cargo ships. The tanks on the cargo ships should be nearing full capacity. The Fresh Water Purification Plant at the Second Fortress is still under construction, so the oil will be transported directly to The Tree. The first shipment is expected to be around a thousand tons. Once the oil tanker is completed, it will be capable of carrying about fifty thousand tons. Just five or six round trips will secure an amount equivalent to the initial oil reserves at The Tree.
“Resin is the foundation of civilization… We can produce chemicals in abundance…”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“By the way, we can also produce fertilizers, right?”
“Yes, Ma’am. We can synthesize chemical fertilizers using ammonia as a raw material. This is achieved through the Haber-Bosch process, which reacts hydrogen and nitrogen.”
“Hmm, I don’t quite understand! Well, I’ve heard of the Haber-Bosch process before. We can do that too, right?”
“Yes, Ma’am. We will develop it as part of our technology tree. Let’s create a plant that efficiently generates ammonia by developing a catalyst. The construction site will be within the Second Fortress. We will also need pipelines to other manufacturing facilities. Additionally, we should expand the Fresh Water Purification Plant. Yes, let’s also add a plant offshore to collect rare metals and deuterium, extending the pipelines as well.”
Ringo continued to add construction plans to the map. Commander Eve nodded in agreement, then tilted her head in confusion.
“Are we short on hydrogen?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Large-scale hydrogen production requires methane gas, commonly known as natural gas, which has not yet been discovered. However, we are currently drilling, and if the detection results are accurate, we should reach the designated point within a few days.”
“I see. Oil fields and gas fields usually come as a set, right? …They do, right?”
“Yes, Ma’am. The likelihood is high. While there may be instances where the gas has been completely extracted, generally, they are found nearby. We were fortunate to discover such a rich oil field.”
Speaking of which, the next planned construction after the oil tanker was a gas transport ship. Ideally, constructing a cluster of plants around the Oil Port would minimize losses, but developing further in that area could attract unwanted attention, so we are exercising caution. Moreover, the threat of the Selket species has also been discovered, which would have led to the abandonment of any development plans regardless.
“For the time being, large ship construction will take place at The Tree. We cannot shake the risk of being spotted by other nations’ ships along the Northern Continent’s coast. As for aircraft, due to the runway situation, production will occur at the Second Fortress. We can mass-produce the supersonic high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, LRF-1 (Vulture), allowing us to conduct reconnaissance on neighboring nations. What do you think?”
“Hmm, yes. Our military strength is coming together, and the first cruiser should be fine, right?”
“Yes, Ma’am. We have been conducting repeated navigation tests, and so far, no significant issues have been discovered. It is feasible to operationalize it.”
“However, the large ship dock is currently occupied with tanker production. Well, for now, it should be sufficient… We will need to add more docks eventually, but that can wait. If we happen to clash with some faction, we should be able to manage.”
Currently, The Tree’s naval strength consists of twenty-three Alpha-class destroyers and one newly constructed cruiser. They have yet to develop combat submarines. For now, Ringo assessed that there are no naval forces on the Northern Continent capable of matching this naval strength. However, most of this information was sourced from Terek, so there is a possibility that the capabilities of the combat ships owned by other nations have improved.
“Alright. Let’s proceed with reconnaissance of the Northern Continent. First, we will investigate the southern regions. They may possess anti-air capabilities, so if we are going to do this, let’s aim to scan all regions in one go.”
“Yes, Ma’am. We will mass-produce the Vulture. We will set a route that allows us to swiftly penetrate the target area from the southern sea and then make a U-turn to the north.”
“Sounds good. Please take care of the planning.”
She casually delegated the task to Ringo and began to hum while checking the technology tree.
The survey fleet was on its way back.
After enduring repeated storms, submerged reefs, attacks from small magical creatures, and dwindling food supplies, they lost one ship after another. Yet, they had fulfilled their mission.
“Our navigators are exceptional. We should be able to return to the Stepping Fortress within a month… at the latest, within two months.”
The survey fleet, which had set sail with three large ships, two battleships, and four cruisers, now had only five ships remaining. Those five were worn out, showing signs of damage everywhere. Nevertheless, their strong sails and determined progress across the sea resembled seasoned warriors.
At the very least, they had obtained the nautical charts of the southern continent’s surrounding seas. While the exact routes were still unclear, they had plotted out the dangerous areas to a reasonable extent. They had also acquired an overview and a physical example of the innovative technology known as the “pig’s tail” (screw). With this, the technology for ocean-going vessels would significantly improve. Well, similar developments might be underway back home.
“We have lost many comrades, but we have brought back even more. Captain, we have one month left. We cannot afford to lose anyone else.”
“Leave it to me, Fleet Commander. Once we reach this area, we will be in familiar waters. I will ensure we return via the shortest route.”
Back home, they would be eagerly awaiting their return. They were anxious to relay their findings as soon as possible.
However, the southern forces that the Grand Commander was concerned about turned out to be not much of a threat after all. While there were differences in technological levels, the Fleet Commander felt it was merely a matter of comparing acorns. In some fields, they were superior, but in others, they were lacking.
Overall, the national power did not differ significantly.
“However… now that we can see the end in sight, perhaps we should hold a banquet soon. We can release some of the surplus food and drink. I want the crew to feel that we are almost there.”
“That sounds like a good idea. Yes, we can use about three days’ worth of food and a week’s worth of alcohol. However, if we overindulge, it might instead stir up anxiety.”
“Is it the last supper, then? That makes sense; a moderate amount of luxury would be appreciated. Alright, please prepare accordingly. I will inform the other captains.”