Chapter 153: Approach of the Unknown
“What has appeared?”
“Yes, Ma’am. The anti-air radar of the Second Ship, Oceanus, has detected an approaching unidentified object.”
As the Gigantia and Titan Series circled above in preparation for the assault on North End City, the Oceanus, flying at the northernmost edge of the formation, picked up the unknown entity.
“Sister, what could it be? A dragon, perhaps?”
“That’s no joke.”
The distance to the target was over 300 kilometers, with a speed exceeding 600 kilometers per hour. At this rate, they would engage within thirty minutes at the latest.
“Due to the high density of atmospheric particles, optical observation from the Oceanus is impossible. The reconnaissance satellite will pass overhead in ten minutes.”
“Sister, I will establish a tactical data link with the Local Strategy AI!”
“Permission granted. Don’t forget the Barrier.”
“Yes, Ma’am!!”
From The Tree, Asahi, stationed at the Port Town of Terek, was physically closer. The real-time link was just barely within range.
“Data received! I will analyze the radar information! Sending it to Ringo now!”
“Receiving radar information. Initial analysis results are coming in. The object measures between 80 and 120 meters in length. Its radar reflectivity seems low, suggesting a stealth structure or radar-absorbing materials. The horizontal speed is approximately 480 kilometers per hour and is accelerating. Altitude is at 1,400 meters and rising. Combining the distance traveled and ascent speed indicates it exceeds 600 kilometers per hour.”
Using The Core’s computational resources, Ringo rapidly analyzed the data received via Asahi.
“Secondary analysis results are in. The object is 116 meters long. Its speed exceeds 690 kilometers per hour and is still accelerating. The predicted course suggests it is heading toward the Gigantia formation’s circling airspace. If it maintains this acceleration, it will breach the alert line in 15 minutes.”
“Reconnaissance Satellite No. 3 is beginning altitude adjustments! Reconnaissance Satellite No. 1 is on course!”
The reconnaissance satellites above typically operated at higher altitudes to mitigate atmospheric friction. However, for precise imaging, they would lower their altitude to achieve a closer orbit. That said, dropping several dozen kilometers in altitude couldn’t be done instantly; doing so would strain the satellites and deplete their fuel rapidly.
“Ma’am, I will send a unit of escort fighters to approach the target.”
“Okay.”
Thus, they decided to scramble escort fighters to close the distance to where optical observation from the Oceanus was possible. Four aircraft formed a unit, maintaining a distance that allowed them to cover each other while conducting reconnaissance.
“We can reach visual range in about five minutes.”
The radar screen displayed “Unknown.” The distance from the formation centered around Gigantia was currently 330 kilometers.
The Gigantia and Titan Series were currently flying in a circular pattern with a radius of about 30 kilometers. The Oceanus, the outermost ship, was approximately 2 kilometers from the central Gigantia.
At an altitude of 8,000 meters, they began ascending immediately after detecting the unknown object. When facing enemy aircraft, a higher altitude provided a significant advantage.
“Preparing the auxiliary engines for operation. I hope we won’t have to deploy them in combat right away…”
“Have the auxiliary engines only been tested?”
“Yes, Ma’am. They are disposable, so we’ve only conducted two tests. While they have passed the required test items, they have not been tested in combat maneuvers. We’ve only confirmed the load on the aircraft’s components through simulations. It would not be an exaggeration to say this is a trial by fire.”
“Well, we can at least retreat if necessary. Let’s decide after we see the reconnaissance results.”
While they discussed their future course of action, a light separated from the Gigantia’s direct escort and rapidly approached the Unknown. The sky today was slightly overcast, lending a hazy quality to the atmosphere. On a clear day, they could capture images from over 100 kilometers away, but they could only be thankful that it wasn’t raining.
“The reconnaissance unit is now within 5 kilometers of the unidentified object. We should be able to capture images soon.”
“Will it be a demon or a serpent that emerges? How exciting!”
“Asahi, can you not be a bit more serious?”
The Commander scolded Asahi, but in terms of seriousness, Commander Eve was hardly any better. A little more tension would be beneficial.
“I’ve got it.”
Ringo reported, displaying the analyzed image on the screen. The same image should have been sent to Asahi as well.
“Um…?”
However, the screen only showed a dark blot in the center. This was the result of integrating the information from the four visible light sensors and processing the image, making it impossible to discern with the naked eye.
“Overlaying the analysis results.”
Ringo further processed the image, overlaying a wireframe representation of the unidentified object.
“…No way, could it be…?”
“Oh, oh, oh, Sister!!”
The wireframe analyzed by Ringo clearly depicted the object. It was unmistakably—
“A dragon!!”
◇◇◇◇
At the same time Asahi erupted with joy at the Port Town of Terek, the four fighter jets confronted the approaching unidentified object, aligning themselves on a passing trajectory. The distance between them was approximately 3 kilometers. The four aircraft spread out, planning to pass around the unknown object at a distance of about 1 kilometer.
They adjusted their trajectory and distance, preparing for the pass. They intended to engage one by one at intervals of a few seconds, rather than all at once, to avoid the risk of simultaneous engagement leading to their destruction.
The relative speed exceeded 1,700 kilometers per hour.
With a 1-kilometer distance for the pass, it was unlikely there would be any immediate danger. However, after passing, they planned to make a U-turn and approach from behind, where the relative speed would be minimal, increasing the potential danger.
The distance between them vanished in an instant as the four jets flew past the unknown object.
At a distance of 1 kilometer, the cameras manufactured by The Tree captured the massive figure clearly.
The head, resembling a somewhat elongated lizard, boasted two impressive horns surrounded by various smaller spikes. Its large head was supported by a long, thick neck. Instead of arms, massive wings spread from its shoulders, and its body, though somewhat stout, was reinforced by powerful hind legs and a long tail. Its entire form was covered in silver scales that occasionally glimmered as they reflected sunlight.
From an aerodynamic perspective, it seemed impossible for such a massive creature to fly at speeds exceeding 800 kilometers per hour. Moreover, its wings appeared to be merely spread out, showing no signs of continued acceleration.
How did this so-called “dragon” generate its propulsion? And why was it flying toward Gigantia?
The four jets executed their U-turn and pursued from behind, igniting their afterburners to regain lost speed. One of the jets passed the dragon on the right, moving ahead. As it showed no significant reaction, they hoped for some action and positioned themselves within its line of sight.
The remaining three jets spread out behind, to the left, right, and above.
After several seconds had passed, the dragon roared.
There was no sound. According to the sensors, it emitted ultrasonic waves beyond the audible range.
A high-pressure ultrasonic wave struck the fighter jet flying ahead. The entire aircraft was subjected to super vibrations, causing its movable parts to produce discordant sounds. The impact on the turbine of the rapidly spinning jet engine was particularly severe.
Abnormal vibrations occurred in the rotation axis, leading to increased friction and heating of the bearings. Components that could no longer withstand the pressure due to material degeneration exploded, and the damaged turbine scattered debris due to its own rotational speed.
The aircraft, now out of control, spiraled backward.