Episode 302: Phase Two Begins
Next update will be on the weekend.
Froz of the ＜Fenrir＞ had returned to the Demon Forest after all, but reconnaissance revealed that something was causing a commotion in the ＜Fenrir＞ family’s territory.
Although the dense foliage obscured direct observation, there were clear signs of something large rampaging, with tremors and trees being knocked down in places.
By secretly switching to reconnaissance satellite photography, they were able to confirm these real-time situations.
“Onee-sama, this is probably one of those cases where they’re hunting to heal their wounds, right?”
“Hunting to heal wounds…?”
According to Asahi, it seems they’re eating meat for nutritional replenishment.
Eve thought that if they were injured, they should be resting quietly, but she didn’t say it aloud, as anything she said would only be speculation.
“Well, they should be pretty badly burned over a wide area, and their internal organs should be damaged too, but they seemed perfectly fine. Plus, there’s not just Froz, but Yarun as well. Judging by the extent of the destruction, they’re probably moving together?”
“Threat Creatures, their wounds healing quickly is a fantasy staple, but I wonder what it’s really like?”
“At the very least, Threat Creatures are able to close wounds in a matter of days despite their life activities being stopped. It is assumed that they are even more resilient when there are no problems with life support.”
The remains of ＜Rain Croin＞ still retain their form. In other words, the wounds heal even if left alone. If biological life activity is added to that, it wouldn’t be strange for the wounds to be repaired in a very short period of time.
Well, let’s put aside the fact that their very existence is strange, but…
“Anyway, we need to increase vigilance and hurry with Reinforcements and expansion, I guess. We’ve taken back our territory, but if we don’t push them back into the Demon Forest quickly, they might come out again.”
“Building a wall might be an option. It could establish our territory and show that we don’t intend to advance any further.”
The territory held by the Froz and Yarun pair currently has no intention of pushing into the Demon Forest. They might expand once they’ve fully developed the surrounding area, but there’s still plenty of land left around them.
They can avoid clashing with powerful Threat Creatures for the time being.
They’ll probably start a full-scale battle only after they’ve exhausted all the resources.
Until that situation arises, it would be helpful if they could continue their non-aggression pact.
Incidentally, Eve was well aware that this was a very self-centered wish. This world is a world of the survival of the fittest.
“Now… the Reinforcements will be ready in two days. I wonder if the Buffer Zone and defense line will be ready in time.”
◇◇◇◇
Six days had passed since the initial clash.
During that time, ＜The Tree＞ had moved its forces to the area designated as the defense line and was proceeding with preparations for defense.
The first battle with Froz revealed the need to deal with objects moving at supersonic speeds. Therefore, a large number of sensors were installed in advance in the areas expected to become the front lines.
Decoy Land Battleships were also prepared.
Six of them were hastily built, but without the most expensive equipment, the Fusion Reactor, and instead modified to use external power, were deployed to the front lines.
The hull and armaments are the same. However, an energy line for power supply extends from the rear, connecting to a standard Jötunn placed several kilometers behind.
If the line is disconnected, it can switch to microwave power supply, but the supplied power is insufficient, so it can only operate for about 15 minutes in combination with the storage battery.
However, since the previous battle lasted less than 10 minutes, it was judged to be no problem.
At worst, if some of the internal functions are turned off, the minimum operation is possible.
As ＜The Tree＞ steadily completed its preparations, the ＜Fenrir＞ family finally made a move.
Froz slowly emerged from the Demon Forest. Since precise measurements had already been completed, individual identification was completed instantly.
Then, keeping its distance, another ＜Fenrir＞ appeared.
Judging from the way they were moving in coordination, this was presumed to be the female parent, ＜Yarun＞. Yarun doesn’t come out very often, so she hadn’t been identified.
“Onee-sama. Froz and Yarun have been sighted. Presuming Battle Stations.”
＜Iris＞ reported to Eve, who was relaxing in the dining hall.
Oh, Eve said, turning to face the projection display.
“It’s rare for you to contact me directly. Thank you, I understand. I’m moving now, but the operation is still ongoing. It’s okay to proceed without waiting for my instructions.”
Eve replied, poking the display. ＜Iris＞’s emotion graph fluctuated wildly, but Eve, who had started walking, didn’t notice.
“So, what’s the situation?”
Eve, settling into the command seat, asked ＜Ringo＞, who was neatly adjusting her clothes.
“Yes, Ma’am. Froz and Yarun have emerged from the Demon Forest. They are facing us across the 5km Buffer Zone. ＜Iris＞ has instructed to begin combat at a distance of 1km.”
“Onee-sama. I’m scanning Froz, but I can’t find any injured areas. All the wounds we inflicted last time have healed.”
At Akane’s report, Eve looked up at the main monitor with a startled expression.
It showed Froz, who should have had extensive burns. But indeed, there were no traces of damage on the figure shown.
“Whoa…. So they really do heal…”
Severe burns on the surface of the body, which would be fatal to normal creatures. It had completely healed in just six days, and even its fur had returned to normal. In this case, it would be impossible to defeat them by inflicting serious injuries, and it would be necessary to confirm their death without fail.
“Froz seems to have changed slightly in physique since the last battle. Judgment: There is a high possibility that muscle mass has increased by about 20%.”
“Eh… If we don’t defeat them, they’ll come back powered up…?”
Moreover, it seems that they are in better shape than before. It would be very troublesome if they had some mysterious function that strengthens their body structure when they sense danger.
“What do you think about this… Maybe Asahi and the others were underestimating the Threat Creatures…”
Even Asahi was somewhat perplexed by this result.
In any case, there is too little information. This battle, whether won or lost, is likely to be very important.
“In any case, what we have to do hasn’t changed. Iris, I’m counting on you to follow the plan.”
“Yes, Onee-sama. Walking the Dog, Phase Two, commencing.”
As ＜The Tree＞ waited with full preparations, Froz and Yarun were slowly advancing. They seemed to be highly motivated to fight, and the multi-functional sensors that had been scattered were picking up the two’s growls.
“…So scary.”
Eve couldn’t help but mutter. Indeed, the main display showed close-ups of the two wolves with ferocious expressions, albeit in telescopic images, and even the growls picked up by the sensors were playing.
For Eve, who was just a shut-in, it was a terrifying image.
“I apologize, Ma’am. I was not considerate enough.”
＜Ringo＞, noticing her reaction, hurriedly switched the image to a distant view.
Such was the slightly tense command room of ＜The Tree＞, but the atmosphere on the ground was strained.
The two were walking slowly, keeping a few hundred meters apart, as they had been since they appeared. They seemed to be carefully closing the distance.
Incidentally, although they appear to be walking slowly, they are moving nearly 10 meters with each step, so they are actually approaching at a considerable speed.
At this pace, they will enter the attack start distance in less than 10 minutes.
Eve-chan, somehow… if she were actually here, I’d feel like protecting her….