Chapter 181: The Bases of The Tree
The Second Fortress, known as Black Iron, was bustling with construction activities.
Various ores were being transported from a large-scale mineral deposit discovered inland, along with iron ore sent from the Iron City. Crude oil was being delivered from the Oil Port, and seaweed production had begun in the surrounding waters.
These abundant resources were rapidly expanding the resource production facilities, refining and shaping them.
With metals, oil, and organic materials readily available, it was an exceptionally advantageous location for production bases.
Moreover, having a wealth of resources also favored the production of equipment. Not only various construction materials but also a significant number of weapons and machinery were being manufactured here.
By the way, the name Black Iron was derived from its appearance. During the construction of the fortress, carbon nanotube fibers were mixed into the concrete, giving the foundation a pitch-black exterior.
Additionally, the name was influenced by the strong emphasis on iron due to its scarcity at the time. Iron was indeed of utmost importance.
Thus, the Second Fortress, Black Iron, continued to expand. It was steadily enhancing its facilities as a foothold for advancing into the Northern Continent.
While it couldn’t quite match the capabilities of The Tree’s supercomputer, The Core, a reasonably powerful supercomputer had already been installed. This allowed for sufficient command functions.
Currently, within The Tree, Ichigo The Tree served as the commander, while Akane The Tree acted as the deputy commander, establishing a pyramid hierarchy of command functions with other AI units. After these AI units had accumulated enough experience, they planned to sever direct connections from The Tree and operate independently. However, that would likely be a matter of several years down the line.
Furthermore, a significant military presence was stationed at Black Iron. The primary reason for this was to conduct a break-in operation for the newly constructed Brain Units.
While the Brain Units were excellent computational devices, they could not unleash their full potential immediately after production. They required repeated operations and a chemical approach to strengthen synaptic connections. Without this, even a slight shock could reset the entire brain.
Currently, they were transitioning to other computational devices that had been postponed due to cost concerns, but for the time being, they planned to continue equipping the command units with Brain Units.
Although not immediately combat-ready, approximately half of The Tree’s combat machines were stationed at Black Iron. Once they were operational, they would be transported to various bases.
The Iron City had transformed beyond recognition.
Once a small local iron mine, it had undergone a significant transformation thanks to The Tree and the Paraiso.
The men who once dug holes in the mines and transported iron ore were no longer present. Now, they were using their honed physiques to cultivate fields.
To be precise, they were operating farming machinery, steering their trained bodies into the cockpit of the equipment to till the soil.
Iron ore, once transported by hand, was now being excavated in large quantities by a monstrous bucket-wheel excavator that resembled a Ferris wheel.
The iron production facilities, utilizing hydrogen transported from Black Iron to reduce iron, were steadily increasing in number, leading to a dramatic rise in steel production.
However, the smelting operations were entirely automated, leaving no room for the residents to intervene.
Thus, the work of food production was provided by Paraiso. It was indeed harsh to rely solely on human labor, so primitive farming machinery, according to The Tree’s standards, had been prepared.
Using the rented farming machinery, the residents of the Iron City were producing ample food.
By the way, the farming machinery was battery-operated, with steam engines being used for power generation to charge them. All operational principles and blueprints were made public and accessible for anyone to view. If they inquired with the Communicator Androids dispatched from Paraiso, they would receive explanations as well.
This was an initiative to educate the residents of the Iron City and enhance their foundational skills.
The Tree’s forces, being a non-biological civilization with numerous superhuman AIs, did not require humanity for their survival. Only Commander Eve reigned as the absolute ruler.
However, merely ruling and containing humanity would only increase unnecessary maintenance costs. Therefore, The Tree desired that the local populace ultimately achieve independence.
The saying “Those who do not work shall not eat” also applies here. It was only natural.
Throughout the Afrasia United Kingdom, which was under The Tree’s control, various policies were being implemented in line with these intentions.
In the Iron City, various production tasks beyond agriculture were being made available as jobs. Traveling between cities to buy and sell goods had also become a popular occupation.
Particularly, the Iron City served as a hub for road and rail connections. It was linked from the Port Town of Terek through the Iron City to Flatara City, and extensions to other cities were currently underway.
If the roads were connected, all that was left was to follow them. Fortunately, horses were easily obtainable within the Afrasia United Kingdom, and carriages manufactured by Paraiso were circulating.
The Afrasia United Kingdom was beginning to resume logistics, using the Iron City as a relay point.
The Oil Port and oil fields were steadily increasing crude oil production. The number of oil wells being drilled was growing daily, and the transportation pipelines were continuously being reinforced.
The threat in this area was the giant scorpions known as Serket, but at least up to this point, they had not approached this territory. It seemed that as long as they did not encroach upon each other’s territories, they maintained a policy of non-interference.
While the Oil Port served as a transportation hub, its defensive capabilities were also being bolstered.
It would be utterly foolish to be unprepared should they have to fight Serket again. Therefore, ground forces were being prepared with Serket as the primary target, equipped to counter the estimated capabilities based on known information.
Air forces, fixed artillery, and ground forces were all being readied. The ground forces included multi-legged tanks and multi-wheeled tanks. The multi-wheeled tanks were chosen for their rapid deployment speed to protect pipelines and other facilities. In contrast, the multi-legged tanks were designed for deployment on uneven terrain. While they moved slower than the multi-wheeled tanks, they could operate without concern for the ground conditions.
By the way, although it could be seen as an infringement of territory, so far, it seemed that the Forest Country of Lebresta had not noticed. The multiple Serket present were conveniently functioning as a barrier.
The base being constructed on the outskirts of Flatara City was developing around an airport. With the railway still under construction, air transport was the primary means of logistics.
The sight of large transport aircraft constantly coming and going had become a trademark of Flatara City.
Due to its location surrounded by other cities and bases, the defensive forces were minimal. However, as a central hub for other bases, logistics development was progressing.
The massive warehouses that suddenly appeared in the wilderness would instill an indescribable sense of awe in those who beheld them.
The Aflarasia Royal Capital base was a small-scale garrison. Currently, it was being used as a relay point for sending forces toward North End City.
In the future, as interactions with other nations increased, it would likely be equipped with some functionality. However, for now, only a runway, hangar, and warehouse had been constructed.
Given its physical distance from The Tree, discussions were ongoing regarding how it should be utilized.
North End City was currently the hottest city within The Tree. It was considered the closest point to unraveling the mysteries of this irrational world, serving as a research base for the Demon Forest.
As a frontline base, runways, hangars, and massive warehouses were being constructed. Fixed artillery was also being rapidly expanded in anticipation of monster attacks. Due to the prevalence of uneven terrain in the area, multi-legged tanks were being airlifted in continuously.
Additionally, the air forces were covered by fighter jets on standby for emergency scrambles at the royal capital base and the Gigantia Unit, which continued to patrol the skies above the Afrasia United Kingdom. Should any incidents arise, the scramble team would buy time while the Gigantia Unit rushed to the scene.
At the center of this defensive force, a massive research facility was being constructed. It would likely develop into a significant base for analyzing the unknown phenomenon of magic.