Chapter 49: The Flying Boat Takes Off! Monsters and Mysteries!
The flying boat SR-1 (Albatross) is set to become the main aerial vehicle of The Tree, completed by Ringo while balancing performance and fuel efficiency.
Fueled by jet fuel and powered by prop-fan engines, it features four propellers mounted on the main wings, utilizing a towed dual counter-rotating propeller system. With short-range takeoff and landing capabilities, it boasts excellent fuel efficiency and can also be used as a cargo vessel. The only drawback is its lack of stealth, but in this world, that shouldn’t pose a significant issue. It possesses enough power to take off and land even in rough seas akin to the open ocean.
“SR-1 (Albatross), commencing launch.”
As the words were spoken, the four prop-fan engines roared to life. The eight rotating propellers, turning in alternating directions, greedily pushed air, generating lift on the main wings.
“Ooh~”
Watching this spectacle were six young girls. Ringo quietly prepared tea in the background, planning a graceful tea time on the terrace overlooking the sea. She was meticulous in her preparations.
“It’s flying~!”
“Wow~!”
“Calm down, you two! You’re going to fall! Hey!”
The eldest sister, Eve, grabbed the collars of the two girls who leaned over the railing, clapping and squealing in excitement. Amid their watchful eyes, the Albatross successfully took off after a mere distance of just over 250 meters. The sound of a gentle “whoosh” perfectly described its low-speed takeoff, almost defying the expectations of a fixed-wing aircraft.
“Hmm, how strange…”
Commander Eve murmured as she observed the scene. For her, aircraft meant jet fighters, so this felt incredibly out of place. She had never operated a propeller-driven plane before.
“Albatross, prototype number one is ascending smoothly. Speed has reached 400 km/h.”
Having taken off from the sea surface, the Albatross steadily climbed higher. The plan was to ascend to the intended cruising altitude of 10,000 meters and then fly on to the Port Town of Terek. If all went well, they would arrive in about two to three hours. Once the operation of the Albatross was established, the efficiency of exploration in the Northern Continent and beyond would dramatically improve. Although there was the issue of consuming aviation fuel, that would eventually be resolved. To that end, they were focusing on mineral vein exploration.
“By the way, the Albatross can be deployed from a carrier, right?”
“Yes, Commander. It has been designed that way. We are also considering the construction of a large aircraft carrier in the future, but for the time being, we will use a small vessel equipped with fuel supply and maintenance modules. Since it will take some time for that to be operational, we plan to rely on fuel supply from transport ships for the next few months. Maintenance will be conducted at The Tree. If movement becomes difficult, we will load it onto a transport ship.”
“Hmm. What about armament?”
“There are no fixed weapons. However, it can carry armaments.”
She felt a twinge of anxiety about being unarmed, especially after the recent appearance of the Rain Croin, but so far, there had been no reports of such monsters appearing in the Northern Continent. Ringo was cramming observation devices to their limits, intending to complete geological surveys swiftly. They also planned to ramp up iron production and fortify the Port Town of Terek all at once.
“Albatross, all sensors are within normal parameters. Flying as scheduled.”
“It’s definitely faster compared to ships.”
“It’s fast!”
“Really fast!”
Currently, it was traveling at 500 km/h. The Alpha-class ships only reached about 40 km/h, making the speed difference quite evident. On the tactical monitor displaying the flat radar, the Albatross was rapidly distancing itself from The Tree.
“The first prototype is equipped with a ground observation system, so it will proceed with the observation mission. However, due to high fuel consumption, we won’t be able to fly it too frequently.”
“For now, we just want to identify the mineral veins.”
“Yes, Commander.”
At the same time, a construction ship was sailing towards the Port Town of Terek. This construction ship was twice the size of the currently operating transport ships and was loaded with materials. Automated construction machinery was also installed, and it was set to rapidly build a dedicated port for The Tree. The location had been selected to be the closest coastline to Iron Town, and it had been confirmed that the surrounding area was uninhabited. They planned to fortify this area as well and ultimately connect it with a direct railway to Iron Town. This fortress would be kept secret from the Port Town of Terek and operated directly under The Tree. They were finally beginning to make serious advances into the Northern Continent.
“Albatross has reached a ground speed of 600 km/h and an altitude of 10,000 meters. Entering cruising mode.”
Having reached the designated speed and altitude, the Albatross began its cruise towards the Port Town of Terek.
“By the way, how is the investigation into the Rain Croin progressing?”
As she nibbled on cookies arranged on a plate, she asked Ringo.
“Yes, Commander. It’s going fairly well. As I reported the other day, the remains of the whale-like monster had Rain Croin larvae attached to them, so we are currently observing them. The investigation into the Rain Croin itself is ongoing, and several intriguing phenomena have been noted.”
The Rain Croin, that gigantic creature, was currently being towed into the dock constructed for large ships for investigation. The results of genetic analysis matched the tissue samples recovered from the wreckage of the ship. Since then, no damage had been reported among the roaming sea beasts, leading them to conclude that this was the only Rain Croin in the surrounding waters. However, the existence of larvae indicated that it was not a unique species. If they possessed a concept of territory, there might be individuals encroaching from other sea areas. They would have to continue monitoring that situation.
“As for the Rain Croin’s defensive capabilities, it seems to remain intact even after death, requiring a considerable amount of energy to obtain tissue samples.”
“Ah, so it’s that incredibly tough one…”
Its scales and skin were resilient enough to deflect armor-piercing shells, and it was not just while alive; it remained tough even after death. At least, that was the case for now.
“However, once it was severed, it changed to a scientifically plausible strength.”
“…Huh? What do you mean?”
“The main body of the Rain Croin is extremely robust, exhibiting an impossible level of toughness scientifically. However, once severed, it appears to revert to a structural strength within normal ranges.”
Using high-energy tools like laser scalpels, they managed to cut out blocks, but once severed, the tissue returned to a normal meat-like softness. They were still experimenting, but it seemed that once physical contact with the main body was interrupted, it lost its hardness.
“Moreover, the severed tissue gradually regained its hardness when brought into contact with the main body of the Rain Croin.”
“Interesting… So, something that maintains that hardness exists within the Rain Croin. Or perhaps it needs to be recognized as part of the Rain Croin?”
“Yes, Commander.”
This phenomenon was believed to be a glimpse into the unknown realm of magic. They were currently investigating whether something existed that could trigger this phenomenon. Regardless, it was incredibly tough. Cutting into it was a struggle, so they were in the process of manufacturing specialized laser scalpels, or rather, large tools akin to plasma cutters. Metal and ceramic blades couldn’t even scratch it, and using scissors-like tools resulted in the blades shattering. The only method of disassembly was to directly irradiate it with energy and burn it away.
“Fortunately, this toughness seems to also apply to chemical reactions, as there are no signs of decay so far. We were considering cooling the entire dock, but it seems that won’t be necessary.”
“Wow. It doesn’t rot. That’s excellent for preservation… but not really. It can’t be cut.”
“Yes, Commander. No toxic substances were detected from the severed tissue, but it’s still unclear whether consumption would pose any issues.”
“Eating it suddenly would be a bit scary…”
There was also the question of taste. She certainly had no intention of trying it herself, but perhaps Ringo might figure something out. One day, Rain Croin meat might unexpectedly appear on their dining table.