Chapter 46: Science vs. Fantasy
A total of thirteen cannons were aimed at the Rain Croin. They fired almost simultaneously, unleashing a barrage of shells that surged toward the massive creature.
“Impact confirmed.”
The precision in controlling the firing intervals allowed all thirteen shells to strike at once—a remarkable feat. The projectiles, coming in at a shallow angle, pierced into the submerged body of the Rain Croin.
As water erupted to heights of several dozen meters, the giant form of the Rain Croin was sent soaring into the air.
“Damage not detected.”
The footage from the impact showed armor-piercing shells striking simultaneously at different locations. However, just like the first shot, a shimmering barrier and ripples appeared, successfully deflecting all the projectiles. Some shells even seemed to slide off the surface, deflected into the wrong direction.
“…”
Commander Eve silently observed the footage. RINGO continued its analysis, but no breakthrough solutions were found. It was necessary to think from a different perspective than RINGO.
“I don’t want to think it can defend infinitely, but if we keep firing, perhaps that barrier will eventually dissipate.”
That possibility existed. If the barrier had the strength to deflect naval artillery indefinitely, then there would be no way to counter it, making this a somewhat hopeful speculation.
“We need projectiles with greater penetration than armor-piercing shells. Perhaps APDS or HEAT rounds. However, since the opponent’s armor isn’t metallic, the penetration effect might be limited…”
“Ma’am, the velocity of the projectiles upon impact will be faster than the current armor-piercing shells. It’s worth a try. However, the effective range is only about 3 kilometers, so it won’t be feasible immediately.”
“Right. Then there’s also the option of anti-ship missiles. They have an impact speed of Mach 3. But hitting a target underwater is quite a challenge.”
In the footage, the Rain Croin thrashed about, opening its massive jaws, sending sprays of water into the air.
“It’s roaring. Is this… a warning?”
“Could it be angry?”
At that moment, the third shot struck home. It seemed the impact point had been calculated perfectly. The Rain Croin’s massive body leaped into the air, flipping over and crashing back into the water.
“No significant changes detected at the impact site. Regardless of where it hits, the same defensive barrier and ripples appear.”
“A defensive barrier…”
The Rain Croin spun around and dove deep underwater. The fourth shot was largely ineffective, hindered by the immense volume of seawater. The creature then accelerated rapidly.
“Rain Croin is on the move. It’s approaching us.”
“Uh-oh, has it figured us out?”
After being fired upon multiple times, it seemed the creature could discern the source of the attacks. It began swimming toward The Tree while remaining submerged.
“Rain Croin is accelerating. Speed is now 10, 15, 20, 25 knots. It is predicted to reach the absolute defense zone in five minutes.”
“This is bad. What about the Alpha-class vessels?”
“Three ships have completed their deployment.”
“What about the torpedoes?”
“Only one is equipped.”
“Fire it.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Although it wasn’t anticipated, the loaded torpedo was a high-speed torpedo utilizing supercavitation technology. Its maximum speed exceeded 800 km/h, but it was unlikely to reach that speed in the given time. Nonetheless, it was the only weapon capable of countering an underwater foe.
“Launch!”
Three high-speed torpedoes were fired in quick succession from the torpedo launch tube, trailing rocket flames as they dove into the water. The torpedoes accelerated toward the Rain Croin.
“Rain Croin has reached a speed of 50 km/h. Depth is 50 meters, with 3 kilometers remaining to the absolute defense zone.”
“…Please work.”
The torpedoes reached a speed of 300 km/h and continued to accelerate. While they might not reach maximum speed, it was still sufficient.
“Five seconds to impact. Three, two, one, now!”
The first torpedo struck the Rain Croin directly. The warhead unleashed a metal jet, followed immediately by the explosion of the conventional warhead that followed. The second and third torpedoes detonated simultaneously just beneath the Rain Croin, creating a bubble pulse that violently shook its massive body.
“Oh…”
A colossal column of water erupted as the Rain Croin’s form broke the surface.
“Impact confirmed.”
As the Rain Croin emerged from the water, a barrage of armor-piercing shells began to rain down upon it. Controlled by RINGO, the 150mm smoothbore cannons unleashed a total of 21 shells from the fortress and the Alpha-class vessels, striking the creature with slight time delays.
“Damage confirmed.”
“Oh!”
The footage analysis showed that while the torpedoes had not inflicted damage, the successive impacts of the shells caused the defensive barrier to ripple and dissipate by the tenth shot. The eleventh shell scraped off some of its scales. The twelfth and thirteenth shells, however, were poorly angled and merely slid off the surface. Although the subsequent shells did not deliver effective hits, it was clear that the mysterious defensive barrier had been breached.
“It seems continuous attacks are effective.”
“Full power fire!”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Twenty-one 150mm smoothbore cannons began firing at a rate of 45 rounds per minute. More than 15 armor-piercing shells per second concentrated on the Rain Croin’s massive form. This scene was being meticulously observed through zoomed-in footage.
“Numerous direct hits. However, it appears that the strength of its body tissue is high enough that no fatal injuries have been inflicted. Additionally, the defensive barrier seems to be regenerating every few seconds.”
The Rain Croin was being pelted mercilessly. Though it resembled an aerial combo, the armor-piercing shells were unable to penetrate its skin. The Rain Croin recoiled and twisted its body. Its rounded physique made it difficult for the shells to find purchase.
“It’s tough…!”
“We’ll switch the Alpha-class shells to APDS.”
Realizing that the situation was at a standstill, the order was given to halt the firing of armor-piercing shells and switch to APDS.
In that brief moment of reduced firing density, the Rain Croin slipped beneath the waves.
“Oh no!”
Instead of fleeing, the Rain Croin dove deep and began swimming toward the Oscar, the fifteenth vessel of the Alpha-class.
“Oscar, increase speed!”
The gas turbine engine roared to life, generating immense power. The in-motor screw churned the seawater as it propelled the vessel forward.
“Oh, oh no…”
In a close call, the Oscar surged forward, its bow breaking the surface with a burst of speed, narrowly avoiding the Rain Croin as it leaped out of the water, jaws agape. Taking advantage of this moment, the fortress’s shells struck, stripping away the defensive barrier just as the Oscar’s rear cannon fired APDS shells.
The shells, upon being fired, split into four in mid-air. The sabot used for acceleration fell away, and the spear-like projectile, having gained sufficient speed, pierced the surface of the Rain Croin. The impact velocity was 2,000 m/s. It seemed that this speed was beyond the creature’s tolerance.
“The projectile has perforated the surface of the Rain Croin.”
“Yes!”
“The second shot was deflected by the defensive barrier.”
“Why?!”
After hundreds of shells had been fired since the battle began, finally one had landed a significant blow. While it was unclear how deep the shell had penetrated, blood was visibly flowing from the hole it created on the surface. However, the defensive capabilities had not been entirely lost. It was essential to strip away the defensive barrier and then strike with APDS at close range.
“We can aim again, right?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Measurements complete. No issues detected.”
However, the precise timing required for this strategy became mere routine under RINGO’s control. The firing intervals were immediately adjusted, and just after the fortress’s shells neutralized the defensive barrier, the Alpha-class vessel unleashed its APDS shells.
Eight APDS shells struck the Rain Croin’s body with pinpoint accuracy and ruthless efficiency.
Compared to its massive form, the holes created were akin to pinpricks. Yet, even a creature of such size would struggle to remain unfazed after being pierced by nine needles. It was uncertain whether damage had been inflicted on vital organs, but the Rain Croin seemed to be in a state of panic, thrashing about wildly.
The massive movements of its body generated enormous waves, disrupting the paths of the three surrounding Alpha-class vessels and partially hindering the fortress’s artillery.
“The encirclement is breaking. We can’t seal it off.”
It could escape. If the Rain Croin broke through the encirclement of the Alpha-class vessels, it could potentially flee. This monster needed to be taken down here and now.
“…! RINGO, charge in!”
“Yes, Ma’am.”