Chapter 154: Permission for Aggressive Attack
“What just happened?”
“Yes, Ma’am. It appears to be some form of long-range attack without live ammunition. We have confirmed unusual vibrations and heating phenomena throughout the aircraft. It is likely an attack using powerful sound waves.”
Among the fighter jets that had been attached to the approaching pseudo-dragon, one had been lost. The remaining three were positioned diagonally behind, so they seemed to have avoided becoming targets.
“It is unclear whether there is a clear intent to attack, but we assess it as a potential threat to the forces of Paraiso. The Local Strategy AI has updated the threat assessment for the target Threat Creature. Threat Level: A. There is a possibility of serious damage to units belonging to The Tree.”
The Strategic AI aboard Gigantia shifted its operational directive from a passive defensive posture to an active elimination stance.
However, the opponent was a massive creature moving at high speed through the air.
Struggling with aerial maneuvers, Gigantia took an evasive trajectory, while the two escort ships, Titan and Oceanus, altered their courses to intercept, leaving Coeus to continue its protective role over Gigantia.
“Titan and Oceanus have begun their turns. They will engage from the front. The altitude difference is expected to be within 1,000 meters. All weapons are ready for attack.”
“Ugh, it’s a shame we can’t use the laser cannons in this weather,” Eve remarked.
“While the maser will experience some attenuation, it is still usable.”
A maser is a device that emits coherent microwave radiation. Its principle is similar to that of a laser, but it uses microwaves instead of light, which is its main distinction.
The maser’s emission device tends to be larger, making the weapon itself inevitably bulky. Thus, maser cannons are currently only employed as fixed armaments at bases or mounted on Gigantia and the Titan Series.
“If we have a clear line of fire, we can initiate a preemptive strike with the maser. However, due to the high amount of particulates in the atmosphere, the attenuation rate is significantly high. We will only be able to attack once we get within 50 kilometers.”
“We’re still 200 kilometers away. For now, let’s call this creature a ‘Wyvern.’ It’s not one with four legs.”
“Yes, Ma’am. I will register the species as ‘Wyvern.’ It seems the Wyvern is continuing to ascend while heading towards the paths of Titan and Oceanus.”
A Wyvern is a type of dragon characterized by having its forelimbs transformed into wings. She was well aware of this—after all, she was at that age where such things piqued her interest!
“What is the estimated engagement time?”
“Approximately three minutes until we are within 100 kilometers, and about five minutes until we reach 50 kilometers. Coincidentally, Reconnaissance Satellite No. 1 will pass overhead at this time. Reconnaissance Satellite No. 3 will follow in 13 minutes. We should be able to gather detailed engagement information. It’s unfortunate that the atmospheric conditions are not very favorable.”
Today’s weather was overcast, with distant areas obscured by a pale yellow smog, making them nearly impossible to observe. It was believed that fine dust stirred up by the wind was lingering in the air. The density varied by location, but the areas surrounding Aflarasia Royal Capital and North End City were largely unaffected, allowing the occupation operation to proceed without hindrance.
“I never expected such a formidable creature to come towards us like this.”
“Sister, I can’t believe it just showed up out of nowhere! I think we must have done something to provoke that Wyvern!” Asahi interjected.
Eve nodded in agreement with Asahi’s suggestion. To assume that the Wyvern just happened to arrive today was far too simplistic.
After all, it was clearly flying towards Titan and Oceanus. It was reasonable to think that it had detected their presence somehow and was now approaching.
“But in this atmospheric condition, it shouldn’t be able to see us. Even if it heard something, we haven’t caused any explosions.”
“Sound waves traveling through the atmosphere do attenuate. The engine noise from the Gigantia unit is quite loud, but it is still unlikely to carry more than 50 kilometers.”
“It detected us from over 300 kilometers away! It must be coming from even farther!”
Was it possible for a creature to detect the presence of the Gigantia unit from such a distance?
Of course, technically it was possible. No civilization known to them had been confirmed to actively use electromagnetic waves, so neither Gigantia nor Titan, nor any aircraft currently operated by The Tree, had considered stealth capabilities.
If Ringo were to design a unit with perfect stealth, it would indeed be possible. However, that would render them invisible to themselves, significantly reducing operational flexibility. Moreover, it would be more efficient to exclude stealth capabilities from the design philosophy altogether rather than adding half-hearted stealth features that would incur unnecessary costs.
“The most likely possibility is that the radar waves emitted by the Gigantia unit were detected. Since we are using active radar, we are quite conspicuous.”
“Additionally, there is the possibility of magical detection methods! Though, it’s probably a waste of time to consider that!”
As time passed, the distance between the Wyvern and Titan and Oceanus shrank to under 100 kilometers. In just a few minutes, they would be within the effective range of various weapons.
“Titan and Oceanus are changing course. They will split left and right.”
The two giants adjusted their trajectories. There was no need for both to charge straight ahead; since they were dealing with a single opponent, it would be easier to encircle it.
“The Wyvern is also changing course. It is heading towards Titan!”
The Wyvern’s behavior had clearly shifted. It was undoubtedly targeting Titan.
“The Strategic AI of Titan suggests temporarily halting radar emissions.”
“Okay. We will have to reactivate it before the attack anyway. Also, stop Oceanus’s emissions.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Titan and Oceanus have ceased transmission!”
The two ships silenced their active radar emissions. This meant that the two vessels, which had been very conspicuous, were now cloaked in silence. Furthermore, based on the Strategic AI’s judgment, the active radar emissions from Gigantia, Coeus, and other aerial weaponry were also halted. If radar waves were being transmitted from elsewhere, reflected waves would occur. With passive radar, any reflected waves could allow for some degree of detection. This possibility had been eliminated.
“Confirmation of the cessation of radar waves across all bands.”
“Now, let’s see if we get any reactions…”
If the Wyvern was indeed acting based on active radar, there should be some kind of response now. However, this was a dangerous maneuver for The Tree’s forces as well. For aircraft, not being able to use radar was akin to being blind. The only saving grace was that a reconnaissance satellite was currently passing overhead.
“A report from the observing fighter jet at the rear. There has been a slight change in the flight path of the Wyvern.”
“Is it getting anxious?!”
“Asahi, calm down.”
Then, after a tense minute passed…
“Passive radar detected. Direction matches that of the Wyvern.”
“Sister, the fighter jet has received radar waves from the Wyvern!!”
And then, the Wyvern began to move.
“Pulse-like microwaves detected. The frequency is unstable, fluctuating randomly between 5GHz and 15GHz.”
“Wait, does that Wyvern have an active radar?”
In disbelief, Commander Eve stared at the monitor, her expression one of shock.
“Sister, this is amazing! An active radar from a living creature! That means it can see radar waves with its own body! How does that even work?!”
Asahi was ecstatic. The Wyvern, which they had thought to be a magical creature, had suddenly begun emitting radar waves.
“What are the chances that it is some kind of aircraft?”
“Yes, Ma’am. It is predicted to be low. However, there is a possibility that a non-sentient creature is piloting or controlling an aircraft. The act of charging towards the radar waves suggests a lack of awareness of the absence of markers, leading to a hasty initiation of radar emissions. It seems rather clumsy.”
“Indeed. It doesn’t seem very civilized.”
And then…
“Reinstate radar usage. Permission for aggressive attack granted.”
“Yes, Ma’am!”