Episode 155: Engagement Commences
The response to encountering proactively approaching or belligerent monsters has been discussed and decided upon between Commander (Eve) and ＜Ringo＞.
For now, we’ll just beat them up and see what happens.
This is the policy of ＜The Tree＞.
Well, to explain, we did discuss it for quite a long time.
We considered various patterns and what responses were possible. Could we avoid a full-scale confrontation? Or could we scout their range of activity in advance?
However, in the end, the opponents are unknown creatures.
Moreover, they are opponents with whom communication is difficult.
If they took actions with clear intent, like the Serket Scorpion Monster swarm, it would be easy to understand, but other monsters are not so simple.
The Ocean Monster ＜Rain Croin＞, we initiated the attack, but despite being bombarded so heavily, it showed no signs of fleeing. It was determined to attack us.
Even the juvenile we continue to raise is extremely belligerent, and we had to divide the breeding area to prevent cannibalism. It was only docile and cute for the first year.
And then, the giant Worm.
It attacked without any warning.
The wolf-like monsters that appeared afterward were also very belligerent.
Also, as a result of gathering information in various cities, we have learned that creatures classified as monsters tend to be very belligerent.
Upon closer analysis, even ＜Serket＞ initially attacked without warning. It may have been because we demonstrated our ability to resist with force that they became cautious.
Therefore…
“Maser Cannon within firing range. Target: Wyvern. Local Strategic AI has ordered the attack to commence.”
『Titan, Oceanus, commencing preliminary Maser irradiation!』
The attack begins.
The target Wyvern’s form is electronically highlighted by multiple radar wave irradiations.
However, it is not yet visible to the naked eye due to the distance.
The swirling dust covers the airspace, making visibility poor.
Nevertheless, the electronic eyes of the radar clearly depict the state of the surrounding airspace.
Ammunition shelling is not suitable because it takes a considerable amount of time to land from 50km away.
Missiles would be an option if ammunition attacks were effective.
Laser cannons are not very effective in poor visibility conditions. It might reach if we poured in enough heat to burn through all obstacles in the line of sight, but the oscillator would not be able to withstand its own heat generation.
Therefore, we will use the Maser Cannon for the first strike.
We have conducted numerous test firings and training exercises, but this is the first time the Gigantia Squad has engaged in an attack action against a clear target. Dropping cargo by air doesn’t count as an attack action.
The Maser Cannon looks like a large radar installation.
Roughly speaking, it is a weapon that attacks by emitting radio waves, so it does not require a barrel.
The Titan series has one installed on both the back and belly of the aircraft.
Currently, the target Wyvern is flying below, and the Titan and Oceanus, which are continuing their ascent, will use the Maser Cannons installed on their bellies.
We perform a low-power preliminary irradiation to confirm that the target is accurately locked.
At the same time, the flight squadron that was flying behind scattered around, fearing collateral damage.
The fired Maser reached the Wyvern at the speed of light.
＜The Tree’s＞ radar system and fire control system are extremely excellent. The Maser Cannon’s aim is almost perfectly aligned with the Wyvern.
If one were to witness this scene in a state where microwaves could be sensed, they would see the Wyvern sparkling and shining, reflecting the microwaves.
With confirmation that there are no issues with the aiming, the output of the Maser Cannon is increased at once.
The irradiation output is 3M (Mega)W (Watts). Since both Titan and Oceanus irradiate pinpoint, the total output is 6MW.
“Maser, commencing irradiation of the target.”
『Nngh… Onee-sama, it’s being reflected!』
Asahi, who was apparently checking the electromagnetic wave map via direct connection, screamed.
The display showing the electromagnetic wave map next to her is shining pure white.
“Analyzing. The irradiated Maser seems to be reflecting.
Estimated to be due to the scales on the surface.
Image analysis. A luminous phenomenon similar to the problem’s Defense Membrane has been confirmed. Determined that the Maser is being attenuated by some effect.”
“Eh, it even deflects Masers! These guys can do anything!”
In the video projected from the rear view, the Wyvern writhes as it is irradiated by the Maser.
“Irradiation point shifted. Reflectivity calculation, 40% or more and less than 60%. However, the increase in body surface temperature is within the margin of error. It is possible that 40% or more of the thermal energy is being nullified by the Barrier.”
“So those silver scales aren’t just for show…!”
『At this rate, lasers might be scattered too!』
According to ＜Ringo’s＞ calculations, about 50% of the irradiation energy is being reflected.
However, that does not mean that the remaining 50% is penetrating.
Calculating from the infrared temperature measurement of the body surface, the temperature increase is less than 1 degree. Considering disturbances such as body temperature fluctuations and sunlight, it is a temperature change within the margin of error.
In other words, half of the irradiated energy is canceled out, and the remaining half is scattered by reflection.
『Maser Cannon, temperature rising! Only 26 seconds left until the continuous irradiation limit!』
“I can’t tell if it’s having any effect…!”
The fact that the Magic Barrier is being confirmed means that some kind of damage is occurring.
However, it cannot be determined whether it is enough pressure to nullify the Barrier.
It has been determined that the Barrier can be nullified by continuous pressure damage, but it cannot be observed whether it is contributing to the Barrier attenuation.
“The Wyvern’s acceleration has increased. It seems to have noticed that it is being attacked.”
『Wyvern’s speed has exceeded 1,000km/h!』
“It’s still getting faster!?”
We can’t afford to be too leisurely. Titan and Oceanus are also flying at full power, but they don’t have enough output to reach supersonic speeds.
If we can’t win at top speed, it’s the same as not being able to escape.
“Distance to Wyvern, 30km.
Local Tactical AI proposes long-range interception with a Multi-Stage Electromagnetic Cannon (Coil Cannon). Strategic AI has approved.”
The Strategic AI, judging that the Maser Cannon attack has been almost completely nullified, switches to interception with ammunition attacks.
The selected Cannon Shell is an anti-air Grenade. It explodes when the target is within the damage radius, scattering small ceramic warheads in the direction of travel.
It is judged that direct firing with Armor-Piercing Shells is difficult due to the excessive distance.
Currently, the Wyvern is continuing an aerodynamically abnormal flight, spiraling and rotating to avoid the Maser irradiation, yet still accelerating.
The flight trajectory is unstable, making it difficult to deliver Cannon Shells with pinpoint accuracy.
Even if fired at an initial velocity of 8,000m/s, it would take more than 4 seconds to land.
“Titan, Oceanus, commencing aiming of the belly Coil Cannons… completed. Fired.”
A large current is applied to the large coils installed in multiple stages inside the barrel, accelerating the Cannon Shell.
Initial velocity of 8,194m/s. A super speed of Mach 24 or more.
The fired Cannon Shell travels straight without regard to air resistance. Although the Cannon Shell is heated by aerodynamic heating, the evaporating surface coating prevents the heat from being transferred inside.
Approximately 3 seconds after firing.
The high-performance explosive inside the Cannon Shell scattered the small warhead group embedded in the warhead in the direction of travel.
“Impact.”
At ＜Ringo’s＞ report, Commander (Eve) leans forward and stares intently at the video.
The Wyvern in the video glows pure white.
Clearly, the Barrier is exerting its effect.
“Video confirmation. No damage. Flight speed increasing further.”
“Damn it!”
First, a hit. As expected, the shelling is nullified by the Magic Barrier.
『The impact of the landing was either nullified or converted into acceleration! The Wyvern clearly accelerated at the same time as the impact!』
“Seriously! Is that even allowed?!”
Certainly, ＜Rain Croin＞ did not nullify the kinetic energy of the impact, but was simply flipped over.
The impact didn’t transmit internally, but it was releasing the absorbed energy in some form.
If the release direction was opposite to its direction of movement, it would certainly accelerate…
“High energy reaction detected at the Wyvern’s head.”
“What is it this time!?”
Commander (Eve) shrieked at the rapidly changing situation.
A beam of light was emitted from the Wyvern towards the Titan.