Airship Control Room
Having successfully destroyed the Sky Cannon, I finally took a moment to breathe. This airship, which now carried Meria and the others, had followed us after we set out for the Sky Cannon. The satellite base had been destroyed by Argil and his companions, and they had become terrifyingly strong. In fact, they were now formidable enough that, when fighting against Eeks and the others, we might even lose if we weren’t careful. I had been given various explanations, but for now, I had something to say to everyone.
“Thank you all for your cooperation.”
I bowed my head properly in gratitude. Perhaps still fatigued, everyone responded with vague replies. Among them, for some reason, Ord was the only one looking away.
“Thank you too, Ord.”
“O-oh…”
“What’s wrong? Normally, you’d be all cocky and tell me to show more gratitude.”
“I didn’t realize you thought of me that way…”
Something about him was genuinely different from usual. Ord, usually so brash, was now shyly avoiding eye contact. Even Eeks and the others couldn’t hide their exhaustion, so I wondered if Ord felt the same. If that were the case, it might be best not to press him further. Rash and the others had already gone to rest in their rooms, and Ord should do the same.
“Hey, Shin. Why did you eat without asking?”
“Shin is… a child burdened with a peculiar fate… Born into the Demon Race yet small in stature, he has been ridiculed… So he just wanted to grow up, and that’s why he ate without thinking… Even Princess Kram, despite her youth, bears the fate of royalty… Kurinka, one cannot choose their birth.”
“Even if there are circumstances, you can’t just eat someone else’s food without permission, you know?”
“W-wait! What about the Babel Destruction Operation? We were struggling with just one satellite base, and if those enhanced Adventurers hadn’t shown up, we would have been finished! You’re just deflecting our own failures!”
“That’s not relevant right now, is it? Regardless of the outcome, you shouldn’t insult those who risked their lives to protect us. Shin, if you don’t stop this… I’ll get angry, you know?”
I was already angry, to the point where Shin was practically cradled in Kurinka’s hands. It looked like she might crush him at any moment. Depending on what he said next, Shin could be in serious trouble.
“Shall we go talk in another room?”
“H-here?”
“Let’s go?”
Still holding him tightly, Kurinka took Shin away. In this bizarre situation, I could only pretend not to see it. Clearly, Shin was in the wrong, and maybe this was just the medicine he needed. Everyone seemed tired and gradually returned to their rooms. This airship, though several generations old, was surprisingly well-equipped for us. As I glanced around the control room, now just the two of us with Terrace, I couldn’t help but reflect on it.
“The Sky Cannon is gone, but the Kingdom of Metallica hasn’t given up yet, right, Terrace?”
“Since we’ve secured Corin, we won’t receive any benefits from ALEX either. What remains are the Heartless and the corrupt upper echelons passing the buck. The real issue is Laputa.”
“What should we do about that continent? Are they planning to stay there? They won’t be able to dry their laundry like that.”
“The population’s sunlight will likely resolve those issues. In other words, even without the Sky Cannon, the Metallica regime remains secure.”
This meant that we would become even more dependent on the Kingdom of Metallica. Without the light of a real sun, we would only receive what Metallica produced. Would everyone really be satisfied with that? The Kingdom of Metallica had created many incredible technologies, but would they now go so far as to dictate how people live?
“That can’t possibly last forever.”
“Exactly.”
“Wait, you think so too, Terrace?”
“That’s why I said Genia’s thinking is outdated. You were there when I said it. You’re too blinded by the image of the Kingdom of Metallica during its age of perpetual technological revolution.”
Terrace lowered his gaze to the control panel and then shut it down. I remembered the first time we saw Terrace. I felt like we had said all sorts of things about him and Kurinka, calling them creepy and deciding to avoid them.
“When everything becomes widespread and prosperous, people don’t stop. They desire even greater happiness. If you think that improving technology will eliminate all failures, you’re sorely mistaken. After all, it’s human endeavor; it will eventually lead to ruin.”
“Hmm, I can sort of understand that… but not really.”
“The bioengineering I was researching was aimed at addressing that very issue. In any case, if things continue like this, we will perish before we even get to Madias. Perhaps Madias has been leaving Metallica alone because he understands that.”
He is called the Arbitrator God for a reason. If he is indeed more powerful than Lord Daigami or the Dragon God, it wouldn’t be surprising if he understood everything humans do. The thought sent chills down my spine. I almost wished I hadn’t learned about Madias. It wasn’t even about being strong or weak; his very existence was terrifying.
“Genia said that Metallica has been defending against Madias’s attacks until now, but…”
“Perhaps they weren’t serious about it. If gods are absolute beings, then my understanding of them is limited.”
“That lack of imagination could be fatal, you know?”
Before I could even process that voice, I drew my sword. Who spoke? Where was the enemy? How would they attack? I could assess all of that in less than a second; I was used to it.
“…A communication? They forcibly connected the channel.”
“Surely you understand what that means, don’t you, Terrace?”
“What kind of move did you make after the Sky Cannon, Branburm?”
As expected, Machine General Branburm was alive. The Branburm we defeated in ALEX’s chamber was Branburm, but not quite the same. Did Corin not notice it at all?
“Was the one I defeated back then just a clone? Because at that time, his entire body, including his neck, was mechanical. I’m pretty sure only his neck was supposed to be organic.”
“It was a grave miscalculation to leave it alone, Flash Strike Girl. You will see just how great that miscalculation was with your own eyes.”
Now, one of the screens displayed Laputa. It was moving on its own, and it was clear that Terrace wasn’t controlling it. A vague black silhouette was barely visible. Gradually, it became clearer, revealing the outer wall of Laputa cracking and peeling away.
“I-it’s breaking?!”
“No, that’s not it! It’s trying to change its shape! This kind of design is simply impossible!”
Even Terrace was astonished. The outer wall of Laputa protruded, then another piece jutted out. The entire island seemed to be transforming into something. Pipes intertwined, and as the metal separated, it reattached again. This process repeated at high speed, moving closer to some kind of completion.
“An arm…? An arm is sprouting from the island?!”
“It seems it’s not finished yet…”
From the overall view, metal protruded from both ends, forming arms, and now it was the lower part of the continent. Despite being metal, it was bending and reshaping as easily as clay. Large spikes, resembling icicles, sprouted at an incredible speed, and in no time, it resembled a sea urchin. The continent with arms now had a spiky underside.
“Could it be Branburm…?!”
“Have you just realized? Well, just wait and see.”
“W-wait a minute! There are a lot of people over there!”
Of course, Laputa paid no mind to that and continued its transformation. The sides and the bottom, and now it was moving to the ground. In other words, the part where people lived. The walls rose high, instantly covering the inhabited inland. The outer wall, now covered, creaked and formed wrinkled patterns.
As this process repeated, it finally took on a face shape. Pipes intricately folded together formed eyelids, and the eyeball was like a yellow gemstone. The metal plates, pipes, and various materials ultimately created a face that, from a distance, resembled Uncle. There was no need to ask who it was. Behind the face, numerous spikes overlapped to form wings.
What is this?
What am I looking at?
“It seems I’ve startled you. This is my new form, Satanakia Laputa.”
From the flat, spiky silhouette, arms sprouted, and the overlapping spiked wings in the back resembled the icicles we had seen around the Freezing Nation. The icicles lay horizontally, forming wings. While the screen showed the whole picture, it was unmistakably the island where the Kingdom of Metallica once stood.
“What is this… what is this?! What has happened?! Did Branburm do this?!”
“I told you this is me. From now on, I am Laputa, and at the same time, the ruler who holds the world’s power. This magnificent form is being delivered to nations on distant continents that you know nothing about. Now, you are in a position to worship me.”
“Branburm… could that technology be from Genia…?”
“I never expected a human to come,” he said, a hint of surprise in his voice.
“Not really,” she replied nonchalantly.
“Take this!” she shouted fiercely.
“No, that man isn’t the one who bit. This is something I created on my own. Especially Corin, who thought she knew everything through ALEX, but it seems she didn’t notice that I had secretly hijacked it. That’s why we’ve ended up in this situation. Ugh! Hahaha!”
The massive face of Branburm, now fused with Laputa, laughed alongside him. Branburm had completely integrated with Laputa, making it entirely his own. It was no mere failure; I should have paused to investigate when I defeated Branburm, even just for a moment. What was I thinking?
“What kind of technology did you use? What did you sell your soul for?”
“The old one is clearly you. Metallica left you behind long ago and reached this level ages ago. It may sound a bit cliché, but let’s just say it’s the work of human wisdom.”
“It can’t possibly hold! It shouldn’t exist! It will collapse soon! What do you hope to achieve by abandoning humanity to such an extent?!”
“It’s obvious! I intend to correct this imperfect world!”
Even through the screen, I could feel the strength of those words. The face floating in the mechanical island was filled with rage. Pipes bulged from his forehead instead of veins, making him look almost alive.
“Metallica has established its status as a being of high technology! But look down at the earth! Countries still trapped in the primitive age live filthy lives, facing unprecedented monsters with weapons no better than stone tools! They lose their lives, sometimes even glorifying death in battle! That’s why they end up trembling in fear even from the likes of the Demon Lord Army!”
Branburm’s voice echoed, resonating not just on the ground below, but throughout the entire world. To think Branburm had become like that. I couldn’t comprehend it all. I don’t believe death is beautiful, but standing up to it is a beautiful sight. It’s normal to wait in fear, but to take up arms and fight is admirable. What’s wrong with that?
“On top of that, you call yourself a god? What gives you the right? If you dare to answer ‘God,’ then let us replace you as gods! If that happens, we will be the gods! No, we will be humans! Hahaha! Don’t you think so? Director Genia said it too! Metallica… no, we humans possess that power!”
“Is it arrogance that drives you to such lengths?”
“You old fool! Since you still don’t understand, let me teach you! A god is one who has become a god! In other words, if we win, we become gods! It is humanity that will bring prosperity to this land! Listen well! If you agree to align with me, I will let the humans right below me go!”
“W-What? Are you saying they’re hostages?!”
“From the start, I have no use for Avangarde, a nation still rooted in the primitive! The nearby dirt-digging group called Normitz and the barbaric ideology of Kashiram are out of the question! All of it should have been left behind in the age of apes!”
When was the last time I thought this hard? What should I do? There are still many people from the Kingdom of Metallica on that island. I don’t know if they’re safe. Including that, I have to take down something that enormous. To be honest, it’s my first experience. I’ve never faced a monster of that size before; the elephant monsters of Noibranz and Zeech from the Demon Lord Army are nothing compared to it. Plus, from here, it will take time to reach Avangarde.
“Well, it wouldn’t be too late to see the power of my Satanakia first. Hmph!”
One of the outer walls shifted shape, this time pulling inward with a creaking sound. As a hole formed, a cylindrical object slowly began to emerge from the opening. When it fully appeared, I instantly recognized it. It was the Sky Cannon Babel that I had destroyed. Satanakia’s offensive power was at least equal to or greater than Babel. It flaunted its possession of Babel as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“B-Babel is sprouting… I can’t believe you made another one…”
“Once something is created in my Kingdom of Metallica, it can be copied instantly! All the data is stored!”
“Are you targeting the Nation of Kashiram?!”
“I have no use for barbaric nations! What annoys me the most are those bald-headed fools over there!”
Light particles gathered at the tip of the Sky Cannon Babel, illuminating the launch port. This was the movement just before firing. The gathered light formed a beam of lethal energy, ready to be unleashed in a straight line.
In that moment, the screen switched from the Sky Cannon to somewhere else. I couldn’t tell where it was, but it was probably the Nation of Negesta. The distinctive tiled roofs stood out, and most importantly, there was that Zaniel. Just like when he was in Avangarde, he floated above the Royal Capital. The half-naked Death Angel Zaniel, I thought he had fled, but there he was.
“Z-Zaniel?!”
Before I could even process that question, the light fired from the Sky Cannon collided with the Royal Capital. No, it didn’t.
“Is Zaniel protecting it…?”
I couldn’t contain my excitement as I muttered to myself. Zaniel struck a pose as if to catch something with both hands, and the light from the Sky Cannon was blocked before it could reach the Royal Capital. Like water hitting a wall and dispersing into droplets, the straight beam of light from the Sky Cannon burst apart before it could reach its target.
“Hmph, he blocked it… That Zaniel, in Negesta, what is happening…”
“Hmph, what an annoying country. Well, it doesn’t matter; I can deal with that later. Flash Strike Girl, if you cooperate, I will let you go.”
Branburm’s attention turned back to me. What does he want me to cooperate with?
“Let me tell you. That Negesta… the Holy Nation of Uzei worships Madias as their main god. The giant’s envoy is the best proof of that. They intend to fill the world with their ideology under the name of Madias. Rua, think. For now, let’s put the hostage matter on hold.”
“What do you want me to think about?”
“If you truly care for humanity, consider what constitutes an enemy. For us humans, Madias is the true enemy. If he sets his mind to it, the world will perish. But I can confidently say that this Satanakia can stand against him. This is the ultimate weapon perfected by human wisdom!”
Madias, I’ve been thinking about him, but I still can’t find an answer. Even with immense power and a history of threatening humanity, he feels too abstract to comprehend. He’s different from Lord Daigami or the Dragon God; perhaps this vague concept is what a god truly is.
“You should understand how incomplete and fragile the surroundings are. Yet you lack the courage to abandon your own body and become a machine, blindly believing in physical values like levels and repeating them until the end of your days… If you truly care for humanity, I’m telling you to think about what will benefit them.”
“You preach such lofty ideals! I understand very well that you desire control!”
“How long do you intend to cling to this stubborn old man? As long as Madias exists, you cannot build a world for humanity.”
While still watching the image of Zaniel on the screen, I used my head just a little. I thought about it, even if just for a few seconds. I exhaled, and that was the end of it.
“Idiot.”
Without looking up at anything in particular, I replied to Branburm and stuck out my tongue.
◆ Shin Report ◆
Today, Shin has unlawfully obtained Kurinka’s remains.
All of this stemmed from Shin’s misuse, and I deeply apologize for this happening in the future.
If I do something wrong, I will apologize.
Shin will not consume human possessions again.
If I do something wrong, I will apologize to Kurinka.
Shin will not consume Kurinka’s possessions again.
I will not go against Kurinka.
Branburm is trying to take down the gods by merging with Metallica.
People say humanity is incomplete and fragile, but does Branburm think everyone should become machines?
It’s incredibly inconvenient; how can someone only think in terms of strength?
Why are there so many who can’t see beyond that?
After all, they haven’t done anything yet, and they make Madias their enemy. Are they sick?
Moreover, they were easily blocked from attacking. Idiots.
They were supposed to take down the gods, but they were blocked even by the giant. Idiots.
Fools, morons, they look so foolish; they should take a look in the mirror.
Idiots.
Ah, I’m so frustrated.