Chapter 170: The Tale of the World Map
“Using optical observation alone, we have managed to create a rough world map.”
“Oh, finally!”
Before Commander Eve, a large aerial display materialized, showcasing a three-dimensional representation of the planet.
“Hmm?”
“The equatorial circumference is approximately 67,990 kilometers. The position of The Tree is here, about 350 kilometers north of the equator. And 1,000 kilometers further north lies the Northern Continent.”
“I already knew that from previous aerial photography, but seeing it as a globe really puts into perspective just how vast this planet is…”
Indeed, it was true. On Earth, where Eve had lived, the equatorial circumference was 40,075 kilometers. This meant that this planet was roughly 1.7 times larger.
In her mind, the scale of Earth unfolded automatically, making the Northern Continent, despite being 1,000 kilometers away, feel much closer.
“Well, that’s good. So this is what the Northern Continent looks like.”
The map, pieced together from satellite imagery, was rendered in exquisite detail. Seeing the visuals of the planet she now inhabited lit up Eve’s expression with wonder.
“Let’s start with an overview.”
RINGO began to explain for the Commander.
“The full-sphere imaging has been completed, revealing the continents on the planet. There are a total of six continents. The Northern Continent, where we currently reside, and the Southern Continent, located far to the south of The Tree. Additionally, there are four other continents surrounding them.”
The surface of Earth is covered by 71% ocean, while this planet is covered by 78% ocean.
“However, compared to Earth, the total surface area is about three times larger, and the land area is more than double. At this point, we have yet to establish any prospects for surface exploration.”
Simply increasing the number of satellites deployed would expand the area that could be monitored. However, there were reasons that made such a choice difficult.
“Ultimately, the ecology of the Threat Creatures remains unknown. We don’t even know what kinds exist, nor do we have means to investigate…”
What they feared was the unknown reactions that might occur if they increased the number of satellites in the sky.
Especially concerning those flying beasts—the Wyverns.
“Wyverns possess the ability to detect and emit microwaves. If we carelessly increase the number of satellites, there’s a possibility they might detect them.”
“And that breath attack of theirs… It operates on the same principle as a charged particle cannon, right? If they fire it upward, it could potentially reach satellite orbit.”
“Yes, Commander. The atmosphere thins at higher altitudes, so the possibility is quite high.”
Of course, at several hundred kilometers above, the power would diminish accordingly. However, satellites are designed to be lightweight and lack proper armor. The electronic equipment they carry is also vulnerable to disturbances.
If a charged particle were to strike directly, it could easily incapacitate them.
“Well, the basic policy is to remain inconspicuous and quiet. For now, we can only gather our strength.”
Given the current level of civilization observable, they could not intervene in satellite orbit. If only they could determine that with certainty, it would make things much easier.
“So, for the time being, we focus on the Northern Continent. Does it have an official name?”
“In the Kingdom of Repuitari, it is simply referred to as the ‘Mother Earth.’ The concepts of continents and planets have not permeated widely, so there is no unified terminology.”
Currently, within the civilizations that The Tree interacted with, there was a general understanding that they lived on a spherical planet. However, it was difficult to say that they understood it with scientific accuracy.
After all, there had been no standardized education for the general populace. It was hardly surprising.
“The most advanced education is found in the Kingdom of Repuitari. While we have not yet made direct contact with other nations, there are likely none more advanced than Repuitari.”
Currently, The Tree had established control over the Afrasia United Kingdom. To the east of it lay the Forest Country, Reburesta. Although contact had been made, the level of its civilization was still unclear.
Looking further east, there appeared to be some nation or group of nations beyond Reburesta.
“Based on aerial photography alone, we have confirmed the existence of cities or city-states. During the night, the thermal signatures are low, suggesting that their level of civilization is not particularly high. They have been observed in plains, mountainous areas, and along coastlines, and it seems they are actively engaging in trade.”
In the southeastern part of the continent, several islands and archipelagos exist. These too have been confirmed to contain cities of considerable size, where vibrant economic activities are taking place.
“The level of civilization here does not differ significantly. From video analysis, it appears that battleships are the norm. While we have not confirmed their land forces, it is assumed that the Kingdom of Repuitari holds a slight edge.”
In that sense, these nations did not seem to pose much of a threat. It appeared that leaving them alone for the time being would not lead to significant advancements.
“And to the northeast, from the foothills to the mid-slope of the North Wall Mountain Range, there also seems to be a nation or group of nations.”
The North Wall Mountain Range, with peaks exceeding 10,000 meters, has a relatively gentle foothill area where many cities exist. However, human habitation was concentrated in the open areas.
In stark contrast, the Demon Forest, which covered a full 80% of the northern part of the Afrasia United Kingdom, felt devoid of human activity.
“Additionally, to the west of the Afrasia United Kingdom, nations are spread out. First, there is a group of nations including the Wheat Country, Weizenland. From the north, there are the Tember Empire, the Karl Redia Empire, the Wheat Country, the Diaratline Kingdom, and the Saltia Trading Nation. To the side of the Kingdom of Repuitari lies the Ironia Kingdom. And then, there is the Kingdom of Repuitari itself. There are also several nations to the north of Repuitari. Furthermore, to the west, there seems to be some nation or group of nations, referred to simply as the Divine Nation, although no precise investigation has been conducted.”
Here too, the level of civilization appeared to be below that of the Kingdom of Repuitari. With this information at hand, The Tree could focus on consolidating its power within the Afrasia United Kingdom.
“Finally, to the north of the North Wall Mountain Range. While not as extensive as the southern side, there are plains where the presence of some nation or group of nations has been confirmed. Since their thermal signatures at night are low, it is estimated that there are no significant differences in their levels of civilization.”
Ultimately, the results indicated that no scientifically advanced civilization posed a threat, allowing for the smooth operation of satellites.
They would steadily solidify their foundation and expand their influence. This was the fundamental policy of The Tree, and by extension, RINGO.
“That said, the pressing issue remains the Threat Creatures we have encountered repeatedly.”
While humanity itself did not pose a threat to The Tree, the Threat Creatures certainly did.
“Across the North Wall Mountain Range, a wide range has confirmed the presence of Wyverns or similar Threat Creatures.”
Due to the limitations of satellite imagery, resolution was constrained. However, it was still possible to identify creatures as large as Wyverns flying through the air.
“Moreover, even within the Demon Forest, unnatural interruptions in vegetation have been observed, likely indicating movement trails. They are clearly massive and elongated, which is unnatural. The existence and movement of such gigantic creatures is almost certain.”
RINGO displayed a line drawn through the Demon Forest. Although it was already covered by trees, clear signs indicated that something had moved through, knocking down the trees in its path.
“Going forward, these Threat Creatures will remain the greatest threat that The Tree must address.”
“How troublesome…”
For the time being, the immediate concern was the Threat Creatures residing within the territory of the Afrasia United Kingdom. It was likely that there were numerous Worms, the underground creatures they had previously defeated.
“Additionally, in the Demon Forest, we have detected numerous life signs at night, likely indicating campfires. It seems that the nations bordering the Demon Forest are naturally attempting to conquer or develop it.”
Even the Afrasia United Kingdom, which was on the brink of collapse, had made attempts to attack the Demon Forest, and it appeared that one city had been entirely dedicated to that effort.
This Demon Forest might indeed be a goldmine economically.
“We should also conduct an investigation into the Demon Forest. For the time being, it might be wise to focus our efforts there. Analyzing the magic in this world could also prove beneficial.”
“Yes, Commander. Analyzing magic is urgent for countering the Threat Creatures. Let’s establish a forward base separate from North End City.”