Chapter 149: Titan Class
“Permission granted for the Titan, Oceanus, and Coeus to take off.”
“Permission confirmed. Titan, commencing takeoff.”
From the open runway of the Second Fortress (Black Iron), three colossal birds soared into the sky. Utilizing 28 engines, they lifted their massive forms into the air from the 10,000-meter-long runway.
“Alpha (Titan) has surpassed an altitude of 2,000 meters.”
“Bravo (Oceanus) has surpassed an altitude of 1,000 meters.”
“Charlie (Coeus) has completed landing gear retraction.”
“All units have successfully taken off.”
The cameras installed at the Second Fortress (Black Iron) transmitted images of the three boomerang-shaped aircraft gently ascending while making wide turns. As she watched the footage, Commander Eve let out a sigh of admiration.
“From just the footage, they don’t seem that large, do they?”
“Yes, Ma’am. There are no comparative objects nearby. Once we merge with the air superiority fighters, their size will be more apparent.”
The Titan series of aerial escort ships were massive machines developed for the direct protection of the Gigantia (aircraft carrier). Though they measured 180 meters in length and 393 meters in wingspan—less than a third the size of the Gigantia—their size was still striking when compared to the typical 20-meter-long fighters.
Powered by plasma jet engines that harnessed the immense heat and electricity generated by nuclear fusion reactors, these aerial knights could remain airborne for an astonishing 3,000 hours without refueling.
“Once the supply for the three Titan-class ships is complete, we will proceed with the takeoff of the Gigantia. The scheduled time is approximately 8 hours from now, around 11 PM local time.”
“Nighttime takeoff poses no issues, then?”
“Yes, Ma’am. The Planet G Positioning System is now operational, allowing us to operate safely without being affected by visible light. We will also be conducting takeoffs and landings in low-visibility conditions such as cloudy weather and nighttime, so we need to accumulate operational experience.”
“Is that to conceal our movements from other factions?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Currently, even if we are discovered, there is no threat. However, it is better to hide what we can. Our basic policy is to keep our bases concealed.”
It was essential to keep the Second Fortress (Black Iron), a forward base on the Northern Continent, hidden as much as possible. This fortress served as a hub for resources and military strength, and it was preferable to keep its information secret from all factions until the very end.
“Once the base on the outskirts of Flatara City is completed, we will relocate our forces there. The timing should coincide with the invasion of the royal capital.”
“Expanding while increasing our bases is starting to feel like a strategy game…”
Meanwhile, development around Iron Town, where mineral veins had been exposed, was progressing without restraint. It had been confirmed that the area was rich in ore, and the automated machines were diligently excavating.
Additionally, the residents, originally miners, had shifted their work to Redstone mining facilitated by Paraiso. Since the demand for Redstone was not particularly high, local employment measures were being implemented to ensure that locals were employed in the process.
Of course, they were not using manual labor; specialized drilling machines were provided for the task.
“In the long run, implementing employment measures and education will be beneficial. If the local residents’ foundational skills improve, we can delegate the management of the suppression bases to them. It may take years, but…”
“While we could manage everything ourselves, it’s better to let them do what they can. Keeping them dependent on us offers no advantages.”
“True. Whether we keep them dependent or leave them to their own devices, neither option feels good. We need them to perform well for the continued trade with the Kingdom of Repuitari.”
Thus, the towns that had been subdued would ultimately need to operate with minimal management. While it was possible to use Communicator Androids for oversight, it seemed wasteful, so they were considering utilizing Monoliths instead. After all, it was only fitting that the entity bestowing wisdom should be a Monolith. Or so they thought.
“We’ll seize the lord’s mansion and rebuild it as the Temple of Wisdom. We’ll prepare concealed mining and manufacturing facilities underground, creating a materially independent stronghold. The ruling class will receive instructions via the Monolith. Hmm, how mystical!”
“I take pride in this playful yet fantastical initiative.”
“Though it’s still firmly rooted in science!”
In a few decades, the area would likely transform into an advanced and mystical city ruled by the enigmatic Monolith. Imagining the cityscape, Eve excitedly pressed the button to approve the initiative.
Recently, there had been a steady stream of playful initiative approval requests. This was likely a sign that Ringo’s flexibility had improved.
“Now then, how are the Titan-class ships faring?”
The three Titan-class vessels had entered a circling flight at an altitude of about 6,000 meters, flying steadily at around 800 km/h. From here, various ammunition, missiles, and fuel for the onboard aircraft would be loaded using cargo planes. This operation was expected to take approximately 8 hours.
“Yes, Ma’am. The first wave of cargo planes is currently docking.”
The footage displayed cargo planes clinging to the underside of the Titan like remoras.
“Hmm… Yes, they really are large.”
The cargo planes measured about 70 meters in length, while the Titan-class ships were 2.5 times longer. Their wingspan was over six times that of the cargo planes. Despite being quite large, the cargo planes appeared miniature in comparison.
“I feel sorry for the people in the royal capital. Moreover, the Gigantia is even larger than this.”
“Yes, Ma’am. Within the Afrasia United Kingdom, anti-air capabilities are deemed nonexistent. Therefore, we will conduct troop descents from an altitude of about 1,000 meters. The sense of intimidation felt by the residents below is expected to be considerable.”
A colossal structure measuring 520 meters in length and 870 meters in width hovered at an altitude of 1,000 meters, accompanied by three massive birds.
It was easy to imagine the thoughts of the royal capital’s inhabitants.
“After the Gigantia’s supply is completed, we will conduct adjustment flights over the sea for a few days. We will also advance over The Tree.”
“So the invasion of the royal capital will follow after that?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Here is the operation plan. The first phase of development at the Flatara City outskirts base will be completed in four days. We will airlift forces from the Second Fortress (Black Iron) and simultaneously advance our aerial strike force toward the royal capital.”
This marked the long-awaited commencement of the operation to subdue the Afrasia United Kingdom. With the Gigantia at its core, they would secure air superiority, deploy siege forces from the Gigantia, and reinforce with additional forces from the cargo planes. The expectation was to subdue all major cities, including the royal capital, within a few hours.
It was a shocking blitz operation. However, if successful, the Afrasia United Kingdom would be completely under the control of Paraiso.
“The infiltration of the Spy Bots is going smoothly, so there aren’t any particular concerns.”
If there was anything troubling, it was the grim information coming from the royal capital and the oddly militarized North End City.
Incidentally, it seemed that part of the royal capital had turned into a lawless slum due to the influx of refugees. The rulers appeared to be engaged in power struggles while turning a blind eye, resulting in a hellish cauldron that extracted the worst traits of humanity.
“The situation in the royal capital… even just the written reports are too horrific to bear…”
The concentration of wealth was likely not helping matters. There remained enough logistics for the upper class to live comfortably, and demand was being met among the surrounding cities. Somehow, the slums managed to survive on the scraps.
North End City was the northernmost frontier city, with the massive Northern Wall Mountains towering beyond it, and the forested area at its base was said to be a den of monsters.
“It seems they have gathered defensive forces under the pretext of defending against the monster threat. There also appear to be many magicians, primarily hunting monsters for their materials, which sustains their economy. They are not struggling for food, and it seems they are even supplied with metal resources from the monsters.”
“…Wait, what?”
“It seems they are supplied with metal resources from the monsters.”
According to the information from the Spy Bots, there were monsters that wore metal as shells, which served as their source of supply.
“Are you saying they can actually strip usable metal from them?”
“Yes, Ma’am. That appears to be the case.”
“How absurd…”