Chapter 57: Seek the Worm
The underground exploration using ultrasonic waves was underway.
The Walker Prototype 2 (WP2), designed specifically for investigating subterranean cavities, was gradually expanding its survey area.
WP2 retained its basic design but had its surveying equipment and armaments swapped out. It was linked with the Alpha-class Destroyer waiting offshore, continuously analyzing information from beneath the ground. Its armament consisted of a multi-barreled machine gun and a grenade launcher. Additionally, one of its two operational arms was equipped with a sturdy mace for self-defense, enabling it to deliver blunt force attacks. Constructed with carbon nanotube artificial muscles and a titanium alloy skeleton, this model enhanced both its striking power and shock resistance. The original steel-based skeleton had been deemed inadequate, as calculations indicated it would self-destruct upon delivering a blow, necessitating the new manufacturing process.
“After all, we need to be able to engage in close combat!”
This was the decisive statement from the Commander (Ma’am) that led to the weapon’s installation. One could only imagine the struggles ＜RINGO＞ had faced. Incidentally, the development of a weapon known as a pile bunker was also currently underway.
“Indeed, numerous cavities have been detected. At least within a 1 km radius, there are traces present. The third squad, which is deployed ahead, has seen a decrease in detection frequency, but they have discovered cavities even 2 km straight ahead.”
“Hmm… But there are none around Port Town of Terek or Iron Town, right?”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am). The area around Iron Town was surveyed from above, so we may have missed smaller cavities. However, the survey of Port Town of Terek was conducted at night with WP2, so the data is accurate.”
In other words, various cavities, both large and small, existed beneath this planned fortress construction site. It was believed to be unique to this land. Although the survey area was gradually expanding, the results from the third squad indicated that the further they moved away, the less frequently cavities were detected. This suggested that the activity range of the creature presumed to be the Worm was limited.
“However, we still haven’t found the Worm itself.”
“That’s quite concerning…”
After surveying almost a 1 km square area, unfortunately, no responses indicating the presence of the Worm had been found. If the Worms of this land were indeed extinct, that would be a blessing, but the inability to study their ecology posed a problem. After all, these creatures could burrow through lava rock without a second thought. If they were to breach the underground structures of the fortress, it would be disastrous.
“We cannot construct large structures unless we establish some countermeasures.”
“Exactly. Even if we bury intrusion prevention fences, we need to verify what materials and structures would be effective.”
Burying steel plates would be pointless if they could be breached. The same went for concrete. It was essential to determine the principles behind how they were burrowing underground.
“It’s also a problem that the locals have no information at all.”
Despite ongoing efforts to gather information, useful leads had not increased at all. There were simply too few travelers, and if, for instance, a merchant convoy had been attacked by the Worm, they would have been wiped out, leaving no information behind. It was unclear whether they had been attacked by the Worm, bandits, or if it was merely an accident. It would often take weeks past the expected arrival date before it was discovered that they had gone missing. Traveling on foot or by cart, delays of one to two weeks were common.
“Hmm… As uncertain information goes, it seems that there are hardly any Worms in areas with abundant greenery…”
However, based on experience, it appeared that Worms did not inhabit densely wooded areas. Typically, towns were built adjacent to springs or forests, which naturally meant that Worms would not appear in those regions. The roads also generally connected water sources, suggesting they were outside the Worm’s habitat.
“Commander (Ma’am). In the Afrasia United Kingdom, the terrain with lakes, springs, and forests may have been formed by the Worms.”
“…Hmm?”
“While still under investigation, for example, comparing the forest around Iron Town and its surrounding geology reveals an inexplicable discontinuity. It could simply be a characteristic of the land or the influence of underground water, but it is also possible that the rock strata were eroded by the Worm’s burrowing.”
As the investigation continued, this possibility emerged. If the Worms were to create numerous holes in the lava rock, eventually, the thinner areas would erode due to wind and rain. Rainwater would accumulate, underground water veins would flow in, forming lakes and springs. Alternatively, plants might grow in the moist sandy soil, eventually leading to the formation of earth.
Of course, this remained within the realm of hypothesis. However, there were enough eyewitness accounts of the Worms to suggest they were not mere aberrant monsters but were integrated into the local ecosystem. And the current survey results of the fortress construction site indicated:
“This land has also been significantly disturbed. Some areas are showing signs of erosion, with sand-like depressions confirmed. There were plants, moss, and insects growing there, indicating that an ecosystem is developing.”
“I see. I thought this land was barren and filled with lava, but it seems it can expand in such a way.”
It could be said that it was a mystery of life. Nevertheless, even with a glimpse into that mechanism, the crucial ecology of the Worm remained unknown.
“If we could somehow lure it to the surface, we might be able to capture or eliminate it.”
“But are they still living in this land?”
“Unknown.”
Well, for now, we would have to continue our investigation. Resource surveys were being conducted simultaneously, and while the quantities varied, iron and other promising elements were being found in reasonable amounts. Most importantly, limestone had been discovered, which could potentially allow for local concrete procurement.
“We will conduct geological surveys and underground explorations while attempting to lure the Worm.”
“Yes, I will leave that to you.”
It was slowly awakening from the vibrations transmitted from above.
Something was intruding into its territory.
It had been a while since it had last eaten. Its body felt heavy from the lack of food, but if it lay in wait in its usual spot, it would surely find a meal.
Though its thoughts were not entirely clear, it was not merely instinct; it recognized its surroundings and assessed the situation, beginning to act. Just as it had done before, it would wait in the same place. If it hid there, the chances of prey arriving were high.
As long as it remained there, even with its not-so-agile body, it could reliably obtain sustenance.
It moved its mouth and undulated its body, slowly beginning to stir. While it did not possess a precise sense of time, it felt as though it had been a long time since it last fed. It chewed on the foreign matter that had entered its mouth, filtering out the thin nutrients as it progressed.
If it could manage to eat well, perhaps it could escape from this territory where prey was scarce. It only needed to grow enough to endure long-distance travel. Just a little more, and it would be able to absorb more sustenance.
“＜RINGO＞. I detected a weak vibration.”
“Understood. Continue monitoring. By analyzing the timeline, we can calculate the position, depth, and direction of movement. What about the connection to the analysis area?”
“Yes. Link is normal. Transfer bandwidth is gradually expanding. Analysis complete (hit). Plotting coordinates now.”
“All clear (O.K.), everything (All) is functioning normally (green). I will operate the Walker Prototype 2 (WP2). Starting bandwidth division. Completion. Link is normal. Ichigo, confirm.”
“Confirmed. Control rights (You have) transferred (control).”
“I have control rights (I have) now (control). Moving silently to directly above the target (target).”
“Vector calculation function definition is complete. Parameter adjustments are finished. Displaying the overlay of the predicted course.”
“Confirmed (Roger). Tracking the target. Estimated arrival directly above in 165 seconds.”
“The target’s movement speed has stabilized. Average speed of 3.5 km/h. I will provide the predicted movement location from now on. We will refer to it as P1.”
“P1 confirmed. Sinkhole number 43.”
“This was a location with traces of some mammal having made a den. Could this be predatory behavior?”
“Unknown. Continuous observation is necessary. We will deploy vibration sensors around the area and conduct precise monitoring.”