Chapter 263: Asahi, Are You Broken?
“There’s a bit of an issue, but overall, things are proceeding as planned,” Eve murmured while glancing at the progress chart.
The number of monk soldiers and priests from the Prava Divine Nation differed from expectations, which suddenly altered the difficulty of their operation. Moreover, they moved independently, leading to unpredictable ratios of combat power.
That said, this was all part of the invasion plan. While there were fluctuations in the anticipated casualties, the overall transition was proceeding smoothly.
“The calculation of the overall combat power of the Prava Divine Nation is complete. We have also gathered data that allows for real-time measurements on the battlefield. The fall of the Holy Capital should proceed without any issues. The enemy’s mobilization speed is within our predictions.”
With RINGO’s proud explanation, Commander Eve nodded. It was indeed reassuring to see events unfold as anticipated, and it seemed the AIs shared the same sentiment.
“RINGO, how are the resources looking?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Resource exploration is going smoothly. The control of the coastline is also proceeding as planned. We are currently constructing a breakwater for port development. We will begin unloading the mining equipment in five days.”
Currently, Yakari Port, the base of their invasion, was overwhelmed with the unloading of combat machines. While it could be expanded horizontally, resource-related operations required warehouses and loading facilities, making the current space cramped. Thus, they were planning to construct a port in a convenient location along the expansive coastline facing the open sea.
“The construction of the base is becoming quite proficient,” Eve remarked.
“I am honored, Ma’am,” Olive replied.
The base construction utilized the O-Class Strategic AI, Olive. She seemed busy overseeing the initial activation and providing cognitive support.
Utsugi and Erika, who were assisting the invasion force’s AIs, were similarly engaged. They were actively supporting the U-Class and E-Class Tactical AIs coordinating the influx of combat machines.
“Have we located most of the veins visible from the sky? The reserves are still uncertain, but they seem to be quite distributed,” Eve inquired.
“Yes, Ma’am. From an economic perspective, there are many locations that may not be profitable, but that is of little concern to us.”
Mining development requires addressing profitability issues when conducted by human hands. However, the SF mechanical civilization forcefully resolves these matters. Naturally, deploying work machines in harsh environments leads to significant wear and tear, establishing a profitability line. Yet, this line is considerably lower compared to conventional civilizations. Particularly, it would not be an exaggeration to say they had an abundance of time and energy.
The amount of resources they could deploy was on a different scale.
“We have already deployed work machines to the veins near the new base. Geological surveys are underway, and the prospects are promising. Copper ore has been confirmed near the surface, and there may be gold deposits nearby.”
“Oh? Gold, you say? Didn’t we recover some from the hydrothermal deposits?”
“Yes, Ma’am. However, gold is an excellent material for electronic components. The more we have, the better.”
Currently, the machines produced by The Tree operated primarily on electrical energy. Thus, gold, which does not corrode in the air and has high electrical conductivity, was a valuable material. In terms of utilizing thermal energy, gold also excelled due to its high thermal conductivity. While copper and silver were also high-performance materials, they had oxidation issues.
“In human society, it’s used as currency, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Ma’am. In that sense, Jotun may appear extremely valuable in their eyes.”
The land battleship Jotun was constructed using vast amounts of resources. It was equipped with three powerful nuclear fusion reactors, and to efficiently utilize the immense energy generated, a wealth of precious metals was lavishly employed.
For instance, if the Jotun were to be destroyed and captured by the enemy, it could provide them with enough precious metals to sustain them for decades. Of course, if that were to happen, they would be exposed to harmful heavy metals and compounds. A death mine.
“Well, it’s a good thing that promising veins are increasing. Resource output is skyrocketing!”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Eve doesn’t seem to be concerned, but what about that Amagio’s base, the Trout Nursery? Why was it attacked by a horde of threat creatures?”
“There’s too little information to make a prediction.”
As the flying boat soared through the skies, Asahi was idly chatting with RINGO.
“If those creatures suddenly appeared in such a place, it would make sense that the threat creatures defending their territory would attack. However, according to the data I was shown earlier, it seems they were swarming like in an old tower defense game.”
“Tower defense, you say? That’s quite an apt description.”
Citing an example from an ancient game, RINGO rummaged through its library. It was a genre where players built defenses to protect their base from waves of enemies. Indeed, the situation of continuously repelling swarming threat creatures bore similarities to tower defense games.
“Thus, it seems reasonable to think that something at the Trout Nursery attracted the threat creatures. What do you think it could be?”
“…There’s too little information to make a prediction.”
Asahi received the same answer as before but didn’t seem to mind. It was expected that RINGO would respond that way.
“I wonder what it was. Something at the Trout Nursery. Or perhaps it still exists? It’s intriguing, isn’t it? My imagination is running wild!”
“If it still exists, wouldn’t that be a serious problem?”
“Oh, right. Then at least for now, it seems to be calm. Still…”
Asahi glanced back at the cargo loaded with him.
“Is there really a difference between The Tree, which we protect, and the Trout Nursery? I think this is information we need to be cautious about.”
“I agree. It is indeed information that should be urgently considered.”
After about an hour of flight, Asahi disembarked onto the dock, carrying an attaché case.
“Eve, I’m back!!”
“Welcome back, Asahi. Now, let’s get you overhauled.”
“Wait, wait, wait! Just give me ten minutes, please!”
Asahi was about to be captured without question, but this time he had informed RINGO in advance. He was safe.
“Ma’am, there are matters that need to be confirmed first, so the capture can wait. I am prepared.”
“Oh? What is it, Asahi?”
After a brief fluster, Asahi placed the attaché case on the floor.
“Ma’am, this is the Magic Essence Meter! I managed to make a few, so I brought it to show off!”
With a click, the lock was released, and the lid opened with a satisfying sound. Inside was adorned with various decorations, but the crucial part was the displayed values. The rest was filled with communication devices, energy packs, and nutrient tubes for supplying biological cells.
“I conducted various investigations over there and set the lowest magic essence level I found as zero. I also adjusted it to display the magic essence density as a percentage, using the center of North End City as 100!”
“Oh? I see. So this is what a magical device looks like? Indeed, it’s my first time seeing one in person. Thank you for bringing it all the way here.”
“Yes, Ma’am! Please praise me!”
“Asahi, you are so true to your desires and adorable…”
After ruffling Asahi’s hair, Eve’s gaze fell on the Magic Essence Meter placed on the floor.
“Um… Asahi? It seems to be reading over 1,000%. Is this correct? Is it broken?”
“Yes?”