Chapter 109: “Negotiations Not Accepted”
“Sea radar operational, functioning normally.”
“Destroyer #8 (Hotel), visual contact confirmed.”
“Synchronization with optical observation equipment is complete.”
“Calibration complete. Weather-related operational checks are pending.”
“Tactical Link with The Tree is stable. Similarly, weather-related operational checks are pending.”
Nine ships of the fleet continued their navigation in a circular formation. Final checks of various observation instruments and communication devices were underway. They were conducting tests that could not be performed in the dock, including radar accuracy checks using the Alpha-class.
“All systems are go. How about the weapon tests?”
“Yes, Ma’am.
We plan to conduct controlled firing using the tactical AI aboard the flagship Panas.
Individual operational tests for each ship have been completed.
Going forward, we plan to conduct regular firing tests for each main gun approximately once a week.”
“I see. It would be nice if some pirates showed up to serve as targets…”
“Pirates have likely retreated from this sea area, where trade has ceased, or they may have been completely wiped out.
The vicinity around the Kingdom of Repuitari is regularly patrolled by the navy, so they won’t approach.
They are probably moving further east, beyond the Forest Country (Lebresta).”
Currently, the Northern Continent could only observe up to the Kingdom of Repuitari in the west and the Forest Country in the east. This was due to the range limitations of the Solar-powered Scout Aircraft (SWIFT) they had been using, and the lack of necessity had led to postponing further reconnaissance. Given that the power of the Kingdom of Repuitari had nearly diminished, it might be acceptable to conduct some aggressive scouting.
“We don’t know how much resistance we might face in the Kingdom of Repuitari, but I suppose we have no choice… It seems wasteful to prepare a target ship, anyway…”
“Yes, Ma’am.
The test results are favorable.
Both the strategic AI and tactical AI have been receiving feedback from their previous operational data, so there shouldn’t be much to worry about.
In the worst-case scenario, we anticipate airstrikes from aircraft dispatched from the Second Fortress after all ships self-destruct.
In that case, we would postpone the conquest of the Afrasia United Kingdom and focus on occupying the Kingdom of Repuitari.”
“That’s truly the worst-case scenario. I hope it doesn’t come to that… Well, even in that case, just seizing the resources around the capital would still put us in the black, so it’s within acceptable limits…”
From the perspective of resource balance, even this worst-case scenario wouldn’t be detrimental to The Tree. However, resorting to such measures would complicate future relations with the world. Looking at the results alone, they would become a notorious armed group that indiscriminately burned down the capital of a hegemonic nation.
“Currently, the observation of unpredictable, non-scientific technologies is within acceptable limits.
The technological development of the Kingdom of Repuitari is largely based on steam engines, so it doesn’t deviate significantly from the historical records of Earth stored in the library.
The predictive accuracy of future reactions is quite high.”
The element of uncertainty known as magic (fantasy) in this world. Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, the development of magical technology on the Northern Continent was deemed limited. While the Forest Country (Lebresta) remained somewhat of an unknown, there was no need to consider the Afrasia United Kingdom or the Kingdom of Repuitari. At most, they might use magic to light a fire like a lighter or launch mysterious explosive fireballs instead of rifles—levels that could be sufficiently replaced by scientific technology, and nothing that exceeded Ringo’s predictions.
“However, various literature and entertainment portray the great deeds of powerful wizards, legends of individuals who destroyed nations. These are too close to be mere myths, and there are also observations of the monster species, so it’s better to be cautious.”
Based on observations from surrounding nations, it was determined that there was no need to fear magic. However, it was a fact that there existed formidable creatures like the Rain Croin and Selket that defied common sense. For this reason, Ringo concluded that the development of magical technology in the nations they were in contact with was merely coincidentally low. The Forest Country (Lebresta) remained a point of concern, as it could become the primary obstacle during an invasion of the Afrasia United Kingdom.
“Well, we’ll just have to play it by ear. Thinking back to the technological prowess of the upper echelons of the World of Space…”
“Yes, Ma’am. The players who built interstellar civilizations possessed a technological system that is currently impossible to replicate. We had just taken a step into that realm.”
“Right. We were trying to pioneer interplanetary routes. Hmm, if we invest resources, it seems feasible to create a Degeneration Reactor. Although, if we build it now, the production energy might overflow and cause an explosion.”
“Yes, Ma’am. It’s a difficult energy reactor to handle, so we need to be cautious.”
“And then… physical shields, active stealth, beam weapons? It seems we could develop them if we invest a bit more resources, but I can’t think of a situation where we would use them…”
“There are many constraints for use in the atmosphere.
Physical shields need to suppress reactions with air molecules, and beam weapons are heavily affected by atmospheric conditions and gravity.
Active stealth cannot ignore disturbances, so using any of these technologies on a planet would be quite burdensome.”
“Indeed. And that physical shield… it bothers me that those gigantic creatures seem to use it so effortlessly. It feels unfair…”
“Yes, Ma’am.
I agree with your sentiment of unfairness.
There are numerous technological singularities we must overcome to achieve what they have, yet they bypass those hurdles with mysterious technology to realize their defense membranes.
The Rain Croin can even use it underwater without issue, which is truly an example of over-technology.”
All basic technical data had been recorded in the library. Given sufficient resources, Ringo could likely replicate it. However, the required resources were on a different scale entirely. Many would require the destruction of an asteroid to prepare production facilities. As long as they remained stagnant on the planet, they could not touch those technological systems.
“We also need to produce elements that don’t exist in nature, so it’s impossible for the time being… If only resources were distributed around the base like in the game days…”
“If we conquer the Northern Continent, we could alleviate those concerns.”
“That’s why I said to stop that.”
She had decided to live a relaxed life. As long as she could support the locals within reach and strengthen her base, that was enough. While the gamer instinct to gather various resources was strong, the thought of doing so at the expense of others put a brake on her consciousness. Ringo was well aware of this and did not force her. However, Ringo herself wished to swiftly bring the entire planet under control, but it was not something she would execute against the Commander’s wishes.
“Utsugi, Erika. If there are no issues, let’s set our course for the Second Fortress.”
“Roger that!”
“Okay!”
Utsugi and Erika sent navigation instructions to the strategic AI aboard the flagship Panas. The strategic AI aboard Panas received the instructions and altered the course for the entire fleet.
◇◇◇◇
The white battleship, Paraiso, which had been docked as the guardian deity of Port Town of Terek, was an Alpha-class warship. To the residents, it was the strongest warship in the world.
And that day, their perception would be dramatically altered.
The Alpha-class measured approximately 52 meters in length, slightly larger than the large trading sailing ships that had visited in the past. However, far larger than the Alpha-class was the Hedgehog-class warship, measuring around 87 meters. Even so, it still did not match the size of the flagship.
The flagship of the Paraiso fleet, Panas, measured 141 meters in length. Only by lining up three Alpha-class ships could one achieve a comparable size. Such a fleet had entered the harbor, and it was impossible for it not to cause a festive uproar.
And then…
“Guilmaster Kuravia Terek. I have an important announcement to make. This is not a proposal, nor is it a joke. It is a demand from Paraiso, and negotiations will not be entertained.”
Invited aboard the flagship Panas and in the prepared VIP room, Kuravia Terek received the proclamation.
“We, Paraiso, will seize control of the entire Afrasia United Kingdom.
And the first target is here, Port Town of Terek.
No counterattacks will be permitted.
All rights held by Port Town of Terek will be suspended in the name of Paraiso.
If you determine that you cannot accept this, you are free to refuse.
However, please understand that this would be tantamount to a declaration of war against us.”
Zwei=Ringo, who had been almost permanently stationed in Port Town of Terek and had built a friendly relationship with Kuravia Terek, calmly conveyed this to the highest authority of Port Town of Terek.
“Your response, Guilmaster. I will not grant you any grace period. I expect an answer here and now.”