Metallica General Airship
“Attention, passengers. We are now approaching Metallica West. Metallica West.”
The mechanical voice echoed from the walls of the airship. From the outside, it resembled an oval-shaped iron vessel with small wings protruding from its sides. This was the only means of transportation to reach the mainland of the Kingdom of Metallica.
To be honest, if it weren’t for Roel, I wouldn’t have made it this far. I couldn’t even begin to understand everything.
Metallica is an island nation, and one would typically think of traveling by ship. However, there are no regular ferries departing for Metallica from any continent. So, how do people get there? At this point, I was completely stumped.
The answer lies in utilizing the airships at the Metallica Ports located on each continent. This technology provided by the Kingdom of Metallica supports our daily lives. In exchange, they established these Metallica Ports.
Otherwise, it would be impossible for any nation to allow another to set up a dedicated landing and takeoff point within their territory. The Kingdom of Metallica demands no compensation for the technology and goods they provide, only the establishment of these Metallica Ports.
Thanks to these ports serving as gateways to their nation, Metallica has become a country that is well-protected from all threats.
By the way, even if one tries to reach the Kingdom of Metallica by ship, they won’t be allowed entry. In fact, if you ignore the warnings and intrude into certain maritime areas, you will be shot on sight without question.
Thus, the only way to enter the Kingdom of Metallica is to go through the formal procedures at the Metallica Port to board an airship, as Roel had explained to me.
“Wow, it really is an amazing country,” I said, still in awe.
“Some say that the Kingdom of Metallica essentially controls the world…” Roel replied.
“I’m so tired… What was with all those procedures?”
I felt like everything about my identity—my belongings, my origin, my age, and my purpose for entering—had been thoroughly scrutinized. Just stumbling over my words led to two or three more questions. I only managed to get through it thanks to Roel.
When she mentioned the names Genia and Platiu, the soldier’s attitude changed completely, which was a relief. Still, we had to wait for about ten minutes with stern faces before anything happened.
“Is that Azuma over there? No, maybe it’s that way?” I wondered aloud.
“Lua-chan, you really seem to love the window seat,” Roel teased.
“Yeah, it’s just that I’ve never seen anything like this before. So, this is what our continent looks like from above.”
The view from the sky was breathtaking enough to change my perspective on the world. The blue and green tapestry of the land below, and the fact that we were soaring at such a high altitude. I had thought it was unbelievable that something like this could fly until just before we took off.
I had jumped high during my battle with Lafoule, but this view was on a completely different level. I wondered if I could jump this high if I worked hard enough.
“Remember when the soldier used that device after you mentioned Genia and Platiu? What was that?” I asked.
“That’s called a Musen. It allows you to communicate with people far away. They probably asked Genia about us,” Roel explained.
“Oh, like Lord Hast’s Word Soul magic?”
“That’s a one-way communication, but this seems to allow for two-way exchanges anytime.”
“Unbelievable… Is it even more amazing than Lord Hast’s magic?”
I had lost count of how many times I was astonished from the Metallica Port to this airship. How could they make such things possible? I was confident I wouldn’t understand even if they explained it to me, but I was still curious.
“I wish I could have one of those too. Then I could talk to Truppo in the Wizard Kingdom anytime.”
“…I feel like the key is in providing just a little. By showcasing both their benefits and threats, they seem to be solidifying their presence as a nation.”
“Huh? Is that really entertaining?” I asked, puzzled.
“No, it’s not about being entertaining or boring… Never mind, it’s just you, Lua-chan.”
That’s right, it was me. I was already used to it.
“Yawn.”
“Attention, passengers. Monsters are approaching. Please remain seated.”
Suddenly, the mechanical voice announced a shocking fact.
“M-Monsters?!” I exclaimed.
“They promised us a comfortable journey in the sky! What’s going on?!”
“Please remain calm, everyone. We are about to present a show for you.”
Naturally, the passengers fell into a panic. But then, a woman in a skin-tight silver outfit responded in a calm tone, and something appeared in front of all of us.
What was displayed on the iron screen was a massive winged creature flapping its wings.
“M-Monster! Hey! What do you think you’re doing?!”
“That is the monster attempting to attack this airship. We will now repel it. Please remain calm and enjoy the show.”
The word “repel” seemed to calm the passengers slightly, and the angry shouts turned into murmurs. Repel? Who would do that? I didn’t have any weapons on me. They had been taken away when I boarded the airship and were probably tossed into some storage.
I was told I would get them back when we disembarked, but not having my weapons made me uneasy. If I had to fight that monster right now, would I win? I couldn’t unleash Sonic Ripper with just my bare hands. What should I do?
“Now, we will engage.”
The woman spoke as if she were commentating on a Combat Tournament, pointing at the screen.
【A Wyvern has appeared! HP 1330/1330】
The displayed winged creature was gradually approaching us. It looked slow from this distance, but in reality, it was incredibly fast. With its mouth wide open, it seemed ready to swallow the airship whole.
“Now, we will use the standard equipment of this airship: the Anti-Air Laser.”
【The airship fired the Anti-Air Laser! It dealt 361 damage to the Wyvern! HP 969/1330】
Two blue beams of light pierced through the Wyvern’s wings like spears. Even though it had been injured, the creature continued to charge toward the airship.
“Next, the Anti-Air Missile.”
【The airship fired the Anti-Air Missile! It dealt 753 damage to the Wyvern! HP 216/1330】
A long iron projectile shot forth, igniting as it rushed toward the Wyvern and exploded. Only the moment of the explosion was displayed, and then the creature was engulfed in light, disappearing from view. A few seconds later, what appeared was a severely injured Wyvern, its body charred and on the verge of collapse.
Just as it was about to fall, a barrage of Anti-Air Lasers struck the Wyvern, piercing its entire body.
【The Wyvern has been defeated! HP 0/1330】
“Engagement complete. Did you enjoy the show? Our airships in the Kingdom of Metallica are equipped to handle monsters like this. Therefore, your journey will surely be a comfortable one.”
“W-Wow! That was amazing!”
“What was that?! How did they defeat it?!”
“Seriously?!”
The panic that had filled the air just moments ago was replaced with cheers. It was all happening while I was still contemplating what I would do if I had to fight that monster myself.
There was nothing I could do; this airship was equipped with excellent weaponry. It had powerful offensive capabilities, just like the ship that Genia and Platiu had arrived on. That Wyvern was no weak monster either. In fact, it might even be stronger than a Poison Salamander due to its ability to fly.
To repel a monster that could give even an Adventurer party a hard time in an instant was truly impressive, yet the woman maintained a smile as she explained everything.
“I was amazed during our last sea voyage, but with this, anyone would feel safe… Metallica is incredible.”
“If I had a sword, I could take down a monster like that too…” I muttered.
“Don’t worry, I don’t think you’re any less amazing than that. If it’s you, Lua-chan, you could blow that monster away with the pressure from your punches!” Roel encouraged.
“…I’ll do my best.”
But I couldn’t. It was impossible. If I could do that, I wouldn’t need a sword. Oh, but maybe if I trained hard enough, I could.
“We will soon be entering landing procedures.”
The view outside was an overwhelming gray. Countless structures stood within a circular gray area.
In the center stood a particularly prominent iron tower. Several towers surrounded the largest one, reaching high into the sky.
That must be Metallica Castle. It didn’t look like a castle, but I instinctively felt it was true. I wondered if Platiu and Genia were there.
“The landing point isn’t there. First, we need to head to the West Terminal and then to Central City Clid,” Roel explained.
As she said, the airship was not landing there. The Kingdom of Metallica has four entrances, and we were heading to one of them, the West Terminal. From there, we would take a train to Central City, but I was completely relying on Roel for that part.
“Okay, first we need to head to platform six at the West Terminal…”
Watching Roel clutching a paper with directions, her brow furrowed in concentration, made me feel drowsy. Hang in there, Roel. I can’t do anything to help you, but I’ll cheer you on.
“Everyone, thank you for your hard work. This is the Western Terminal of Metallica. Please remain seated until we have landed and come to a complete stop.”
Slowly, the altitude decreased, and before I knew it, we were on the ground. It was astonishing to think that such a massive vessel could soar through the sky and carry so many people. How does it even move?
◆ Kingdom of Metallica, Western Terminal ◆
“Here, put this on.”
At the terminal exit, a soldier who looked like he belonged to Metallica brusquely handed me a metal collar. Just the fact that it was a collar was shocking enough, but to be told to wear something like this? What were they thinking?
“What is this?”
“Huh? Didn’t they explain it at the port over there? Ugh, what a hassle… Everyone has to wear this upon entry. It acts as a transmitter, so we can track where you go. Plus, if you make any suspicious moves, we can remotely detonate it at our discretion. If you don’t wear it, you won’t be allowed entry.”
“What the heck! That’s outrageous!”
“If you don’t like it, turn around and go home. The next return flight is in four hours.”
The soldier, clad in silver clothing and armor, yawned and scratched his stubbled chin. Leaning on the table, he stared off into the distance, not even looking at us. Just then, another soldier rushed over and whispered something in his ear, and the situation took a sudden turn. The sleepy soldier straightened up as if he had been jolted awake.
“Ah, my apologies! You are a guest of Lady Genia! Please forgive my rudeness!”
“Then does that mean we don’t have to wear that ridiculous collar?”
“Even for guests, exceptions cannot be made.”
“Oh, I see…”
Reluctantly, we put on the collars. Strangely enough, they weren’t as bothersome as they looked. I didn’t feel much discomfort from having something around my neck. Still, it didn’t put me in a good mood.
“We look like dogs! Woof woof!”
“Why are you so happy about this? I don’t like it at all.”
I couldn’t understand Roel’s excitement as she pretended to bark like a dog. In fact, I felt an overwhelming urge to crush and destroy the collar.
“Do you know how to get to the Central City?”
“Oh, I’m fine.”
The soldier now seemed like a completely different person. Upon realizing we were guests of Genia, he suddenly started using honorifics. Just how important was this Genia? Perhaps second only to the King? I vaguely recalled something about advanced technology.
“Alright, let’s head to Platform 6.”
I decided to hold Roel’s hand as we made our way to the platform. If I accidentally lost her and got separated, I would never be able to reunite with her. The iron signboards hanging from the ceiling displayed multiple confusing directions, making it feel like an inescapable labyrinth. The Danger Level here must surely exceed 100. No place had ever made me feel this anxious.
Just getting from Metallica Port to here was beyond my comprehension. Thanks to the airship, I was no longer surprised by the iron boxes connected together that ran along the ground.
◆ Train to Central City Clid, Kingdom of Metallica ◆
I wasn’t surprised, but I had no idea how this train ran across the seemingly endless wasteland. Honestly, I could run faster carrying Roel on my back. As I gazed at the landscape, which consisted only of red and protruding formations that resembled high ground, the grayness I had seen earlier felt like a lie. Metallica Port and the terminal had been so bustling, yet this stark contrast was overwhelming.
“You can’t enter the Central City without this train. You could walk across the wasteland to get there, but of course, once you enter a certain area, you’d be shot… It’s a scary country, isn’t it? What would happen if someone accidentally killed a foreign dignitary…?”
Given that they made us wear these collars, I figured they wouldn’t care. Based on my impressions so far, I couldn’t bring myself to like this country. A thoroughly controlled world with advanced technology. It might be impressive, but the image it conjured was gray.
Those wearing the collars must be traveling. Families looked far from cheerful. It made sense; what could one enjoy while being forced to wear such a collar? Watching the airships and trains, those convenient vehicles moving efficiently, felt cold. There was no vibrancy like in Avangarde Castle Town, just a grayness devoid of warmth. A gray country, Metallica.
“It’s two hours to Clid. I might be able to take a nap… dozing off…”
Roel, sitting across from me, was struggling to keep her eyes open. As soon as I heard her soft snores, I decided to sleep too. There was no point in staring at the monotonous wasteland any longer; there was nothing to do.
“Why doesn’t this country, with such amazing technology, try to reach out to other nations more…?”
Other countries would surely desire what they have, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they were targeted. I heard that Metallica Port was overflowing with refugees, but most of them had been turned away. Some had stubbornly protested, but I heard that when they were shot at, they scattered like spiders. That’s when my impression of this place started to sour.
“Anyone whose background is even slightly questionable can’t enter… I wonder what those people are doing now. They must have finally reached a place filled with monsters, yet this is too much…”
Despite those thoughts, the swaying space felt like a lullaby, and soon I drifted off to sleep.
Monster Compendium
【Wyvern HP 1330】
A classic winged reptile characterized by bat-like wings. They usually travel in packs but can occasionally be found alone. Even alone, their combat abilities are high, and they excel in battles that utilize their great mobility.