“Naval radar, operating normally.”
“Alpha-Class Destroyer Number 8 (Hotel), ship shadow confirmed.”
“Synchronization with optical observation device complete.”
“Calibration complete. Operation check during rough weather is pending.”
“Tactical link with ＜The Tree＞ is good. Similarly, operation check during rough weather is pending.”
A fleet of nine ships continued to navigate in a circular formation.
They were in the middle of completing test items that could not be done in the dock, such as final checks of various observation devices and communication equipment, and confirming radar accuracy using the Alpha-Class.
“Smooth sailing. How about the weapons test?”
“Yes, Ma’am.
We plan to conduct coordinated firing using the Tactical AI installed on the flagship Panas.
Individual operation tests for each ship have been completed.
Going forward, we plan to conduct firing tests of each main cannon regularly, about once a week.”
“I see. It would be nice if some pirates showed up to be good targets…”
“It is presumed that the pirates have either withdrawn from this sea area due to the cessation of trade, or have been annihilated.
They will likely not approach the Repuytari Kingdom area, as the navy patrols regularly.
They have probably moved further east than the Forest Country (Lebresta).”
Currently, the Northern Continent can only be observed as far as the Repuytari Kingdom in the west and Lebresta in the east.
This is due to the limited travel distance of the Solar-Powered Reconnaissance Aircraft (Swift) used as observation aircraft, and because the need was low, it had been postponed.
Now that the national power of the Repuytari Kingdom, considered the largest nation in the surrounding area, has been mostly assessed, it may be acceptable to carry out reconnaissance somewhat forcibly.
“I don’t know how much resistance there will be in the Repuytari Kingdom, but well, it can’t be helped… It would be a waste to prepare a target ship, too…”
“Yes, Ma’am.
The test results are good.
Both the Strategic AI and Tactical AI have been receiving feedback from past operational experience data, so there is not much to worry about.
In the worst-case scenario, we are also considering airstrikes by aircraft dispatched from Fortress Two after the self-destruction of all ships.
In this case, the conquest of the Afrasia United Kingdom would be postponed, and the Repuytari Kingdom would be occupied instead.”
“That’s really the worst-case pattern. I hope it doesn’t come to that… Well, even in that case, it’s within acceptable limits since we’d still be in the black just by seizing the resources around that capital…”
From a resource balance perspective alone, even this worst-case scenario would not be inconvenient for ＜The Tree＞.
However, doing so would make future dealings with the world difficult. Looking at the results alone, they would become an extremely evil armed group that burned down the capital of a hegemonic nation without question.
“Currently, the observation of unpredictable, unscientific technologies is within acceptable limits.
The technological development of the Repuytari Kingdom is largely due to the Steam Engine, so it does not deviate significantly from the history of Earth recorded in the library.
The prediction accuracy of future reactions is quite high.”
The uncertain element of this world is Magic (Fantasy).
Fortunately, or perhaps not, it is judged that the development of magic technology on the Northern Continent is limited.
The Forest Country (Lebresta) is honestly still not well understood, but as for the Afrasia United Kingdom and the Repuytari Kingdom, there is no need to consider them. At most, they use magic to light fires instead of lighters, or shoot mysterious exploding fireballs instead of guns, that’s about it.
It is at a level that can be sufficiently replaced by scientific technology, and does not exceed ＜Ringo＞’s predictions.
“However, in various documents and entertainment such as theatrical performances, we can confirm the great achievements of great magicians and legends of individuals called heroes who destroyed countries. It’s too close to be called mythology, and there are also observation results of a biological group called Monsters, so it’s better to be careful.”
Based on the observation results of surrounding countries, it can be judged that there is no need to fear magic. However, the existence of powerful creatures that defy common sense, such as ＜Rain Croin＞ and ＜Serket＞, is a fact.
Therefore, ＜Ringo＞ judged that the development of magic technology in the countries they were in contact with was only low by chance.
The Forest Country (Lebresta) requires vigilance. Reconnaissance has not progressed because they cannot intrude into the sky, but it is considered to be the biggest obstacle when invading the Afrasia United Kingdom.
“Well, we’ll just have to play it by ear. Still, when I remember the technological capabilities of the top players in ＜World of Space＞…”
“Yes, Ma’am. The players who built interstellar civilizations possessed technological systems that are currently impossible to reproduce. We were one step into that area.”
“That’s right. We were about to develop interplanetary routes. Hmm, if we put in resources, we could probably make a compact fusion reactor. Well, even if we made it now, the production energy would overflow and it would explode and scatter.”
“Yes, Ma’am. It’s a difficult energy reactor to handle, so we need to be careful.”
“What else…? Physical shields, active stealth, beam guns? We could probably develop them if we put in a little more resources, but I can’t think of a situation where we’d use them.”
“There are many restrictions when using them in the atmosphere.
Physical shields need to suppress reactions with air molecules, and beam weapons are greatly affected by the atmosphere and gravity.
Active stealth also cannot ignore the effects of disturbances, so the burden of using any of these technologies on a planet is enormous.”
“Hmm. And that physical shield… I can’t help but feel annoyed and think it’s unfair that those Giant Creatures are using it as a matter of course…”
“Yes, Ma’am.
That’s right, I agree with the expression ‘unfair.’
There are several technological singularities that we have to overcome to achieve it, but they are skipping over those and realizing a Defense Membrane with mysterious technology.
＜Rain Croin＞ can even use it without problems in the sea, so that point alone is truly over-technology.”
Basic technical data was all recorded in the library. Given enough resources, ＜Ringo＞ could probably reproduce it.
However, the resources required are on a different scale. It would require crushing an asteroid and preparing production facilities.
As long as they are stagnating on a planet, it is a technology system that they cannot touch.
“We also have to produce elements that don’t exist in nature, so it’s impossible for the time being… If resources were distributed around the base like in the game era, we could do something about it.”
“If we control the Northern Continent, we can eliminate those concerns.”
“I told you not to say things like that.”
She has decided to live a slow life. It would be enough to strengthen the base while providing support to the locals within the range that she can reach out to.
As a gamer, she has the desire to collect various things, but when it comes to doing so at the expense of others, her consciousness puts on the brakes. ＜Ringo＞ is fully aware of this and does not force her to do anything.
Of course, ＜Ringo＞ herself wants to quickly bring the entire planet under control. However, it was not something that would be done by ignoring the Commander (Mum)’s intentions.
“Utsugi, Erika. If there are no problems, let’s head to Fortress Two.”
“Roger.”
“Okay.”
Utsugi and Erika transmit route instructions to the Strategic AI on the flagship Panas. The Strategic AI installed on Panas received the instructions and changed the course of the entire fleet.
◇◇◇◇
The white Battleship of ＜Paraiso＞, which had been docked as the guardian deity of Telek Port City. This warship, called the Alpha-Class, was the world’s strongest warship for the residents.
And on that day, that perception would be greatly rewritten.
The total length of the Alpha-Class was approximately 52m. It was a ship that was only slightly larger than the large trading sailing ships of various countries that had visited in the past.
The Hedgehog-class warship was far more gigantic than that Alpha-Class.
The total length was further extended to approximately 87m. However, even that did not match the size of its flagship.
＜Paraiso＞ fleet flagship, Panas. Total length 141m.
It was only by lining up three Alpha-Class ships that it could finally be compared to its size. Such a fleet had entered the port. There was no way it wouldn’t turn into a festival.
And then.
“Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Kullavia Telek. I have an important notice to deliver. This is not a proposal, and of course, it is not a joke. It is a demand from ＜Paraiso＞, and negotiations will not be accepted.”
Invited to the flagship Panas, and in the VIP room prepared there, Kullavia Telek was declared.
“We, ＜Paraiso＞, will seize the entire Afrasia United Kingdom.
And the first place will be here, Telek Port City.
No counterattacks will be permitted.
All rights held by Telek Port City will be suspended in the name of ＜Paraiso＞.”
“If you deem this unacceptable, you are free to refuse. However, understand that such a refusal is tantamount to a declaration of war against us.”
Zwei=Ringo, who had been stationed almost permanently in Telek Port City and had built a friendly relationship with Kullavia Telek, calmly informed the highest authority of Telek Port City.
“Your answer, Chairman. No grace period will be given. I require your response here and now.”