◆ In Front of Matere Headquarters ◆
“Let me introduce the upper management of Matere, who pilot the Super Armored Machine God Material! First, we have the operator, the executive Gotsuku! Next is the HR manager Senbetsu, a specialist in shooting! The one handling close combat is the former knuckle fighter, vice president Kernag! And overseeing defense and evasion systems is none other than me, Zarock! And… the one who oversees it all is the president of Matere! By dividing our roles, this Material can execute extermination operations more swiftly and accurately!”
From the massive machine, the loud voice of Zarock echoed once again. I understood that there were several others aboard besides Matere, but beyond that, I couldn’t grasp much. One thing I could say was that, despite being the same type of machine, I didn’t feel the same excitement I had when I saw Platiu’s Machine Maiden. No, it was cool, but perhaps I didn’t want to admit it. It just felt… off.
“No matter what enemies approach from all directions, Gotsuku will pick them all up!”
“The brilliant and capable executive Gotsuku, who has flawlessly handled every task within the company!”
Yeah.
“I’ve been honing my shooting skills since I was young. Thanks to that, I’ve placed in the top ranks in every competition. When it comes to discerning excellent talent… or rather, yes-men, I can shoot them down with ease!”
“Senbetsu, the ‘demon of recruitment,’ shines with his discerning eye through his glasses!”
Mai once told me that concentration is more important than eyesight when it comes to shooting.
“In my youth, I immersed myself in street fights, taking down dozens of boastful fighters. Heh… my blood is boiling!”
“In close combat, there’s no one better than this former knuckle fighter, vice president Kernag!”
I wondered if that had anything to do with operating the machine.
“Leave the timing for shield and barrier deployment to me, Zarock! And the one commanding all piloting systems is… the great arms dealer, Matere!”
“Don’t forget about me!”
“Oh, I almost forgot about the perfect secretary, Lady, who accurately supports the president’s heavy workload!”
“Lady, come over here.”
“Yes, President.”
In an instant, Lady displayed a physical prowess that made it seem as if she were wearing a Powered Suit, swiftly climbing up to the chest of the robot. As she kicked the metallic chest plate and momentarily hovered in the air, the chest opened up. When Lady slipped inside, an odd cheer erupted.
“W-Wow! Amazing!”
“I can’t believe she could do that…”
“I know! She’s said to be well-versed in various martial arts to eliminate the president’s obstacles!”
If that’s the case, she should have been the one fighting. Though, she might still get killed by the King.
“Hey, Kurinka. Everyone’s surprised, but I can do something like that too.”
“I know! Rua-chan can jump that high!”
“Ah, yeah… that’s right.”
The reaction I had hoped for was slightly different, but I felt reassured by Kurinka’s supportive wink. Just being acknowledged by her was enough.
“Matere, are you really going to expose yourself to such humiliation by creating that giant thing?”
“If we win, we’re heroes. I have no recollection of being humiliated at all. Rather, shouldn’t you be more concerned about whether you’ll still be sitting on your throne?”
“I’ll make you regret that soon… Hmph!”
With an axe gripped tightly in both hands, the King charged toward the giant machine. He opened his crossed arms with great force. I had seen that skill before; it was the same one that had taken down the Comet Wolf Brigade’s executives in a single blow.
【King of Kashiram’s Great War Axe Wind! Dealt 661 damage to the Super Armored Machine God Material! HP 44139/44800】
“Haahhh!”
That skill, which had easily torn apart human bodies, merely scraped the surface of the giant machine. Perhaps realizing it was tougher than expected, the King clicked his tongue for just a moment. True to his title as the Battle King, he remained unyielding. This time, he positioned both axes vertically above his head and swung them down.
【King of Kashiram’s Tremor King Strike! Dealt 957 damage to the Super Armored Machine God Material! HP 43182/44800】
“We will follow suit! The cavalry will launch a full-scale attack on that giant machine!”
“「「「「「Ooooooohhh!」」」」」
“Kurinka, we should…”
“You all have already accomplished my request! From here on, it’s our job! I won’t be borrowing your hands!”
I could only watch as the cavalry deployed. Since he was called the Battle King, he must know more about fighting than anyone else. I thought it wasn’t a bad idea for the cavalry to jump around, distracting the enemy’s attacks like that. The captains leading each unit shouted orders while running around themselves. But to the giant machine, it must have felt like mere pests poking at it, and their attacks were completely ineffective. Only Weiss and the King were holding their ground.
“It seems being oversized has become a disadvantage. To this Centaur Knight, this is merely a target.”
【Weiss’s Flying Flash! Dealt 511 damage to the Super Armored Machine God Material! HP 42671/44800】
What surprised me was how Weiss was darting around the giant machine while kicking off the ground with his passive skill. Wait, how is he doing that? Was passive supposed to work like that? Or was it some skill of Weiss’s? He didn’t seem to be able to stay in one place for long, but his bouncing around the machine was clearly effective in causing confusion.
“You’re such an annoying little pest!”
【The Super Armored Machine God Material’s Beam Sword! Weiss narrowly dodged!】
The yellow and white electric-like sword thrust at Weiss repeatedly, but none of them hit. As Weiss distracted the machine, the King charged in. The cavalry was still only managing to inflict minor scratches, merely provoking those inside.
“I’ll crush you!”
“Not if I can help it!”
【King of Kashiram’s Fierce King Strike! Dealt 2354 damage to the Super Armored Machine God Material! HP 40317/44800】
“W-Was that a direct hit?!”
“No, we can recover!”
The giant machine staggered slightly from the powerful slash aimed at its foot. Cheers erupted from the soldiers, but the situation hadn’t changed at all. The damage accumulated was almost negligible. I thought the King, being the Battle King, would understand the disparity in strength, but unfortunately, he showed no signs of retreat.
“Damage rate approximately 10%. It seems the combined strength of King Kashiram and Weiss is greater than expected.”
“Senbetsu, fire the dispersive photon laser.”
“Understood!”
【The Super Armored Machine God Material fired the dispersive photon laser!】
A gun barrel-like structure protruded from its shoulder, unleashing countless beams of light. The cavalry was in danger from the rain of light falling from that height. This was something I couldn’t overlook.
【Rua leaped onto the battlefield!】
“Take this!”
It would take too long to eliminate each beam one by one, so I predicted the landing points of the light and dashed between the cavalry. It took a considerable amount of time to cut down dozens of beams without hitting a single soldier. I never expected it to take nearly a second. I was definitely feeling tired.
【Rua slashed through the dispersive photon laser!】
“Haah… haah… stop making me worry!”
“W-What just happened…? Did we get saved?”
The cavalry, who had been running around in a panic, stopped in their tracks and looked up at the giant machine. The light that had been fired from above had somehow been extinguished before reaching them. I had no intention of boasting that it was all thanks to me in this situation, and I thought that was just fine.
“All of it was intercepted…”
“Don’t be foolish… don’t be ridiculous! Even accounting for the time from firing to impact, it’s only about 0.65 seconds! What on earth happened? Get a grasp on the situation!”
“It seems to be the work of that Flash Strike Girl.”
“How can you be so sure, Lady?”
“We underestimated her power. President… don’t you realize? Even through this thick armor, I can feel her killing intent.”
“H-Huh?!”
When I glared with the intent to kill, the giant machine’s movements halted. I couldn’t see what was happening inside, but it seemed to have had an effect. I hoped it would surrender, but it didn’t seem like that kind of opponent.
“…You.”
“What is it, Weiss? You aren’t going to get angry and tell me not to interfere, are you? If all of those had hit, more than half of the cavalry would have been dead.”
Weiss didn’t say anything more. He held his Grand Run limply in one hand and looked up at the giant machine again.
“It seems I’ve been saved after all. Allow me to express my gratitude.”
As the wind billowed his cloak, the King extended his hand for a handshake. His hand, encased in tough skin, felt rough to the touch, but the sincerity of the King was palpable. At the same time, his grip was so strong that it felt as if he might crush my hand. It was a display of his determination, a mix of goodwill and fighting spirit. His eyes were filled with a fierce rivalry directed at me. There was no need to compete at a time like this.
“President, permission to fire the main cannon.”
“…Granted. However, I will decide the target.”
The massive machine retrieved a gun of a manageable size from its back. It spun and rotated, shedding multiple plates before attaching to another part. The once compact weapon transformed into a large, gleaming black cannon, now twice or even three times its original length. It was so large that it required one hand to hold while the other aimed at something in the distance. It was strange; we were the ones fighting, yet the aim was completely off.
“Perestro Launcher, targeting complete!”
“King of Kashiram, do you understand what I am about to do?”
“W-What do you mean…?!”
“I trust you can guess. Yes, I am going to fire the Perestro Launcher at the Royal Capital.”
“That’s madness! Do you have any idea how far away we are?!”
“Your outdated customs and beliefs are blinding you to the possibilities. With the maximum range of the Perestro Launcher, I can hit the edge of the continent from here. This is the difference between someone like me, who constantly seeks the latest technology, and you, who merely sits on a throne. What can you see from there?”
“I won’t allow it! I won’t let you do this!”
【King of Kashiram’s Tremor Strike!】
“You fool, deploying the Reistrafield!”
A membrane of electric energy, a mix of black and green, enveloped the massive machine. Naturally, the King’s skill was thwarted by it. In fact, it was uncertain whether the King would emerge unscathed after diving into that membrane.
“Ughhhhhh!”
【The King of Kashiram took 4983 damage! HP 123/5106】
“Your Majesty!”
Ensnared by the electric field, the King’s body was stained with its colors, and when he was ejected, his entire body was charred. The soldiers, except for Weiss, began to lose their fighting spirit, breaking formation as they witnessed the Battle King in such a state.
“What is the medical team doing?!”
“We’re on it!”
“Remarkable, to withstand the Reistrafield in such a state. It must have taken a long journey to achieve such a physique… But reality is often harsh.”
Before the medical team could arrive, Kurinka cast Angel Heal on the King. The King’s skin regained its original color, and it didn’t take long for him to open his eyes. Seeing him rise, Weiss sighed in relief, and the soldiers erupted in cheers. It was unclear whether they were astonished that the King was safe or amazed by Kurinka’s incredible healing magic. Anyone witnessing a near-death individual return to life in an instant would surely consider it a miracle.
“Ugh… I owe my life to you.”
“Don’t mention it. More importantly…”
“Your Majesty!”
“Weiss, I apologize… This is not something I can show to anyone.”
Without even a sigh, the Battle King cast a shadow over his expression for the first time. I understood his frustration, but he should have been happy to be alive. Such reasoning likely wouldn’t reach him. If I were in his position, I would feel far worse than mere frustration.
Weiss, concerned for the King, suddenly shifted his gaze to Kurinka. She trembled slightly but held his gaze without looking away.
“You… are Kurinka, correct?”
“Y-Yes!”
“…Thank you.”
“Huh?”
He muttered it softly, just once. Even if I asked him to repeat it, he wouldn’t say it again. It was Weiss’s utmost expression of gratitude. I could tell he was embarrassed; he had already turned his back to Kurinka.
“I will destroy the Perestro Launcher. Your Majesty, please rest here.”
“Very well, I trust you can do it. I’m counting on you.”
“To shatter this mass and armor? What kind of calculation is that…?”
“Don’t be foolish, Lady. Senbetsu, is the energy charging complete?”
“Yes! We will fire shortly!”
Just like before, Weiss kicked off into the air, aiming for the Perestro Launcher high above. I wondered if it was alright to leave it to him. My instincts told me something was off. It wasn’t that I doubted Weiss’s abilities; it was something else entirely.
“You intend to destroy the Perestro Launcher… but I wouldn’t recommend it.”
“What do you mean…?”
“Even if you succeed in destroying it… where do you think the released energy will go?”
“…That’s a ridiculous threat.”
“You look pale. Surely, you have an inkling of what I’m implying?”
“Shut up!”
“You can no longer destroy the Perestro Launcher. Doubt has already crept in; you know that better than anyone.”
Just from that exchange, I made my decision.
“Kurinka, please.”
“Huh, here…?”
“It’s not impossible from here, but just in case. Hurry.”
“…Understood.”
Wrapped in golden scales, Kurinka spread her wings wide. I didn’t care how it looked to those around us. Without giving anyone time to react, I mounted her back and took off. Yes, not a single person—neither the King, Weiss, nor the Royal Cavalry—had time to respond. In an instant, Kurinka and I reached our target position.
“W-What is that?! A girl riding a dragon…!”
“Is it a new weapon from Metallica? Even so…”
“Kurinka, this position is fine.”
Before us was the cannon’s muzzle, with an arm and shoulder beyond it. The sheer presence of the Perestro Launcher, supported by Kurinka’s left hand, was indeed awe-inspiring. It could easily snuff out lives in an instant, cold and violent. Despite never having witnessed its power, I felt a deep aversion. The true threat was not the weapon itself but Matere, who would wield such power to extinguish countless lives. If I thought about it, that security machine could have been used to protect lives if utilized correctly.
It was created to be misused, only to be destroyed. It felt strange to sympathize with a machine, yet I couldn’t accept it.
“Why do you only think of hurting people?”
The thought slipped from my lips. This was my true feeling, but of course, it wouldn’t reach him.
“Don’t bother with that! Fireeeee!”
【The Super Armored Machine God Material fired the Perestro Launcher!】
The cannon’s muzzle glowed, unleashing a force that could erase everything. At the same time, I showed Matere what I had. I gripped Disballade tightly, poised as if to stab with my sword.
【Rua unleashed Sonic Spear!】
My Sonic Spear collided with the burst of light. I wasn’t aiming for a counter or anything like that.
“Huh…?”
I thought I heard Matere’s bewildered voice for just a moment. The Sonic Spear consumed the light, erasing the power that could take lives. Without stopping, the Sonic Spear reached the cannon’s muzzle and destroyed it. No, it was obliterated. This was my first time wielding the reborn Disballade. I never expected it to be this powerful.
【You dealt 6120909 damage to the Super Armored Machine God Material!】
The Sonic Spear swallowed the cannon, arm, and shoulder, vanishing into the sky in an instant. Of course, only I recognized that flow. The massive machine stood still for a moment, having lost part of its shoulder, but that was short-lived.
【You defeated the Super Armored Machine God Material! HP 0/44800】
The severed parts exploded, triggering a chain reaction. The massive machine, appearing to dance, shook from the explosions, ultimately leaving only its legs standing as it fulfilled its role. Whether its purpose was to destroy the Royal Capital or to kill us, I couldn’t say. In any case, the power of that massive machine would no longer be wielded.
“Is this… the end of the Matere Trading Company?”
As someone murmured those words, the smoking wreckage of the massive machine heralded the demise of the Matere Trading Company.
◆ Shin Report ◆
While they were left dumbfounded, I shall write the report.
That was nothing for Rua; she could handle it with ease.
Heh, do they think Shin would be flustered by something like this?
Just a little graze, and my rear is only stinging a bit.
I-I’m not flustered at all!
Because there’s no reason to be flustered.
By the time I realized it, I had erased about half of the machine.
What could have happened? There’s no reason to be surprised.
When someone truly gets surprised, they end up wetting themselves.
In that regard, Shin is…
Warm? Could it be…
Ugh, no, that’s just my imagination.
I’m just a bit hot, and a bead of sweat has formed.
Yes, this is just Rua’s sweat on my back.
“But it’s warm… No, I absolutely refuse! Absolutely!”
Monster Compendium
[Super Armored Machine God Material HP: 44,800]
The headquarters, completed over many years, is merely a facade. Its true form is a colossal, transformable robot, something even the Kingdom of Metallica has never attempted. Matere planned to use this as a trump card to keep other nations in check while marketing the machine as a next-generation weapon, just like Metallica. However, due to its immense size, operating it alone is exceedingly difficult.
It seems there are data suggesting it can hold its own against beings of the Five Divine Class, but that appears to be only provisional.