Chapter 219: Instant Reconnaissance
“Even if we say we’ll intervene, I wonder how much is actually appropriate,” Commander Eve murmured as she gazed at the data from the Kingdom of Reputari.
“It seems like Amagio is all for a full-on approach,” she continued, reflecting on the Duke Amagio Silverhead’s stance. He had expressed that, considering future relations, it was fine for the Paraiso to take the lead in their operations. However, that might have been more of a sentiment from Amagio Salmon, the player, rather than the Duke himself. As a ruler, he would likely prefer to minimize outside interference.
“We are not a typical nation, so they might be at a loss on how to handle us,” RINGO, the Control AI, added as a supplementary note. The Paraiso forces were maintaining a diplomatic relationship with the Kingdom of Reputari for the time being. However, if they were to engage in serious intervention, it might necessitate actions that transcended national boundaries.
“Even just exporting weapons raises the question of whether they can provide adequate compensation,” Eve remarked.
“Loans could be an option, but the issue lies in whether they can repay them,” RINGO replied.
“I certainly don’t want to provide anything for free,” Eve stated firmly.
The firearms produced by The Tree were estimated to have a technological gap of several centuries compared to what was observed. Providing such advanced weaponry in bulk would grant a significant advantage.
However, this world also possessed an uncharted technological system known as magic, which was complicating RINGO’s simulations.
“Due to our inability to measure the military strength of the Prava Divine Nation, we cannot propose an appropriate level of support,” RINGO explained.
“True, but time will eventually resolve that. I just hope we’re not too late,” Eve sighed. The Prava Divine Nation’s invasion continued, albeit at a reduced pace, likely due to the expanding front lines. The resistance from the opposing nations seemed utterly ineffective.
“That said, we currently only have information through the Kingdom of Reputari. Perhaps we should consider sending out reconnaissance,” Eve pondered.
“Yes, Commander. I propose launching Vulture 2 from Gigantia. By utilizing Gigantia for takeoff and landing, we can ensure extended range and better response to unforeseen circumstances,” RINGO suggested.
“Oh? So you had Vulture 2 ready,” Eve replied, intrigued.
The supersonic high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, LRF-2 (Vulture 2), was designed for deployment from Gigantia, unlike the LRF-1, which operated from ground runways. While retaining the basic performance of the LRF-1, it had been enhanced to accommodate microwave power supply, significantly increasing its energy capacity. This allowed for simultaneous use of sensors and weaponry, a feat impossible with the LRF-1. Consequently, it could perform ultra-precise multi-laser strikes from an altitude of 27 kilometers, pinpointing targets on the ground.
“Reconnaissance aircraft, huh…” Eve mused.
While it might not be able to contend with colossal monsters, Vulture 2 could incinerate most biological targets with just a few units dispatched from above. Naturally, it could also unleash extreme heat upon structures.
“Unfortunately, the issue of sonic booms has not been entirely resolved. There is technology that can organically alter the surface armor’s contours to cancel out flight noise, but it struggles with control at supersonic speeds, preventing practical application,” RINGO explained.
“I’ve heard it makes quite a racket,” Eve noted.
The phenomenon known as a sonic boom occurs when a shockwave generated by surpassing the speed of sound is heard as a loud explosion on the ground. If this occurs at low altitudes, it can cause significant damage.
However, even if it hasn’t been fully realized, RINGO might have already simulated a solution.
“Well, it might be startling, but I don’t think it’ll be a problem. I doubt anyone would notice the sonic boom,” Eve reassured.
“Yes, Commander. We will dispatch Gigantia to the northern region of the Afrasia United Kingdom. From there, Vulture 2 will launch westward to conduct battlefield reconnaissance,” RINGO confirmed.
“Right. For now, we want to keep our involvement under wraps. I don’t think Vulture will be detected, but we should remain cautious,” Eve instructed.
“Yes, Commander.”
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Gigantia soared at an altitude of approximately 8,000 meters. To avoid provoking any unidentified monsters, radar waves were kept to a minimum. Instead, patrol aircraft were deployed over a wide area.
The launch doors on Gigantia’s rear slowly opened. The catapult, covered in armor to reduce aerodynamic drag, rose into position, ready for launch.
Ascending via an elevator was the supersonic high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, LRF-2 (Vulture 2), redesigned for deployment from Gigantia. Two units were positioned on the catapults.
Deflectors for flame protection extended outward and secured themselves. After a brief pause, the rocket motors on Vulture 2 ignited, spewing flames.
Lock disengaged.
The electromagnetic catapult propelled Vulture 2 into the air. With an initial speed exceeding 1,000 km/h, Vulture 2 was launched. The acceleration from the rocket motors allowed it to break the sound barrier within seconds, continuing to gain altitude rapidly. The second unit followed suit, racing into the sky.
Upon reaching an altitude of 20 kilometers, the two Vulture 2s began flying in formation, one leading while the other trailed diagonally behind. They continued to accelerate, purging the now-unneeded rocket motors and switching to ramjet engines for further acceleration.
Gradually ascending while maintaining speed, they ultimately reached an altitude of 27 kilometers, achieving a velocity of Mach 3.4. At this height and speed, they began capturing images of their target locations sequentially. Although there were issues with aircraft vibrations, reconnaissance satellites needed to maintain an altitude of at least 200 kilometers, allowing Vulture 2 to capture ground images from a significantly lower orbit. This meant they could obtain much more detailed images.
The two Vulture 2s continued their flight, reaching their target point approximately 1,500 kilometers away in about 25 minutes, capturing images from multiple angles.
After completing their necessary reconnaissance, the two units turned onto their return course. No significant events occurred, and they returned as scheduled.
Gigantia was equipped with a recovery system for its deployed aircraft. The Vulture 2s, gliding down from above, touched down precisely on the recovery apparatus. Once secured, the aircraft were stored within Gigantia.
The reconnaissance mission took about an hour. The reconnaissance data extracted from the aircraft’s recording devices was collected by the strategic AI Ichou in the Aflarasia Royal Capital via Gigantia, where it underwent information cleansing for viruses before being sent to The Tree.
“We have obtained battlefield information,” RINGO reported.
“That was quick, considering we were just watching,” Eve replied, analyzing the thousands of high-resolution images and videos captured from above. RINGO highlighted several images for her review.
“While I can’t say all, we successfully captured footage from most of the front lines. The military strength of the Prava Divine Nation is currently under analysis. The front lines have been pushed back approximately 500 kilometers from their pre-war positions. Four nations have already been completely subdued, and two have had their borders breached,” RINGO detailed.
“Hmm… What should we do? Is it alright to share this with Amagio?” Eve pondered.
This was real-time information obtained from the front lines, which would significantly impact future strategic planning. Would providing this information lead to major issues for The Tree’s strategy?
“The impact is expected to be limited. There are no rapid-moving aerial forces present. Any troop movements via powered vessels would take at least five days. In fact, it may be more efficient to demonstrate our capabilities while providing them with material for their next move,” RINGO suggested.
“Well, that’s true… We’re essentially monitoring all movements, so it should be fine…” Eve conceded.
Thus, as the battlefield images were sent, an episode emerged where Amagio was said to have rolled his eyes in disbelief. However, since it wasn’t particularly critical information, Commander Eve chose not to relay it.