Chapter 155: Engagement Commences
The response to encounters with aggressive monsters, whether they approach actively or display hostility, has been a topic of discussion between Commander Eve and Ringo.
For now, the plan is to strike and observe.
This is the policy of The Tree.
To clarify, they had deliberated for quite some time. They considered various scenarios, discussing what responses could be made. They aimed to avoid direct confrontation whenever possible, or at least scout the area beforehand.
However, the truth remains that the opponent is an unknown creature. Moreover, it is one that is difficult to communicate with.
If only the scorpion monster, Selket, acted with clear intent, it would be much easier to understand. Unfortunately, other monsters do not behave in such a straightforward manner.
The sea monster, Rain Croin, initiated the attack on them, yet despite being mercilessly bombarded, it showed no signs of retreat. It was determined to charge at them. Even the juvenile they continued to rear was extremely aggressive, to the point that they had to divide the rearing area to prevent cannibalism. It had only been docile and cute for the first year.
Then there were the massive worms. They too charged without hesitation. Following that, wolf-like monsters emerged, displaying a similarly aggressive demeanor.
Furthermore, after gathering information from various towns, it became clear that creatures classified as monsters tend to be highly combative.
Upon closer analysis, it was evident that Selket had also attacked without provocation at first. Perhaps it had become cautious only after they demonstrated their ability to counter its strength.
And so…
“The target has been acquired within the range of the Maser Cannon. Target: Wyvern. The Local Strategy AI has issued an attack order.”
“Titan and Oceanus, commencing preliminary Maser fire!”
The attack begins.
Multiple radar waves illuminate the target, the Wyvern, clearly in electronic form. However, it remains out of visual range. A cloud of kicked-up sand obscures the airspace, impairing visibility.
Even so, the electronic eyes of the radar system vividly display the conditions of the surrounding airspace.
Real projectile artillery would take considerable time to reach a target located 50 kilometers away, making it unsuitable. Missiles could be an option if conventional firepower proves effective. Laser cannons, however, are not very effective in conditions of poor visibility. While they might reach the target if enough heat is poured into cutting through any obstacles in their path, the emitters themselves might not withstand the heat generated.
Thus, the initial strike will utilize the Maser Cannon.
Although they had conducted numerous test firings and training exercises, this marks the first time the Gigantia unit is engaging in a clear attack against a designated target. While they had previously dropped supplies from the air, that hardly counts as an offensive action.
The Maser Cannon resembles a large radar installation. In simple terms, it is a weapon that emits radio waves to attack, eliminating the need for a barrel.
The Titan Series is equipped with one cannon each on the back, belly, and both sides of the unit.
Currently, the target Wyvern is flying below, while Titan and Oceanus, continuing their ascent, prepare to use the Maser Cannon mounted on their bellies.
They conduct a low-power preliminary firing to confirm whether they can accurately lock onto the target. Simultaneously, the flight squad trailing behind disperses to avoid collateral damage.
The emitted Maser reaches the Wyvern at the speed of light.
The radar and weapon control systems crafted by The Tree are exceptionally advanced. The aim of the Maser Cannon is nearly flawless, precisely aligning with the Wyvern.
If one were to witness this scene while capable of detecting microwaves, they would see the Wyvern shimmering as it reflects the scattered microwaves.
Once the targeting accuracy is confirmed, the output of the Maser Cannon is dramatically increased.
The output is set to 3 megawatts. Since both Titan and Oceanus are targeting simultaneously, the total output reaches 6 megawatts.
“Maser, commencing fire on the target!”
“Ngh… Sister, it’s reflecting back!”
Asahi, who seemed to be directly connected to the electromagnetic wave map, cried out in alarm. The display beside her, showing the electromagnetic wave map, glowed a brilliant white.
“Analyzing. It appears the emitted Maser is being scattered. This is likely due to the scales on its surface. Image analysis confirms a luminescent phenomenon similar to that of a Defense Membrane. It is determined that the Maser is being attenuated by some effect.”
“Wait, it can even deflect the Maser? These things are full of surprises!”
In the footage displayed from a rear perspective, the Wyvern twisted as it was struck by the Maser.
“The point of impact has been deflected. Reflection rate calculated to be between 40% and 60%. However, the increase in surface temperature is within the margin of error. Over 40% of the thermal energy may be neutralized by the barrier.”
“So those silver scales aren’t just for show…!”
“At this rate, lasers might get scattered too!”
According to Ringo’s calculations, approximately 50% of the emitted energy appears to be reflected. However, this does not mean that the remaining 50% penetrates. Calculating from the infrared temperature readings on its surface, the temperature increase is less than one degree. Considering fluctuations in body temperature and sunlight, this change falls within the margin of error.
In other words, half of the emitted energy is negated, and the remaining half is scattered by reflection.
“The Maser Cannon’s temperature is rising! We have 26 seconds until we reach the limit for continuous firing!”
“It’s hard to tell if it’s having any effect…!”
The confirmation of the magical barrier suggests that some damage is likely occurring. However, it is impossible to determine whether the pressure is sufficient to nullify the barrier.
It is known that continuous pressure damage can nullify barriers, but it remains unobserved whether they are contributing to the attenuation of this particular barrier.
“The Wyvern’s acceleration has increased. It seems to be aware that it is under attack.”
“The Wyvern’s speed has exceeded 1,000 kilometers per hour!”
“Is it still getting faster!?”
They could not afford to be complacent. Titan and Oceanus were flying at full power, but they lacked the output to achieve supersonic speeds. If they could not win in terms of maximum speed, it meant they could not escape.
“The distance to the Wyvern is 30 kilometers. The Local Tactical AI has proposed long-range interception using the coilgun. The Strategic AI has approved.”
Determining that the Maser Cannon’s attack was nearly nullified, the Strategic AI switched to conventional projectile attacks. The selected ammunition was an anti-air shell, designed to explode upon reaching the target’s effective radius, scattering small ceramic warheads in the direction of travel. Given the distance, direct fire with armor-piercing shells was deemed impractical.
Currently, the Wyvern, disliking the Maser fire, was spinning in a corkscrew motion while still accelerating, exhibiting aerodynamically abnormal flight.
Its flight path was unstable, making it difficult to deliver pinpoint artillery fire. Even if fired at an initial speed of 8,000 meters per second, it would take over four seconds to reach the target.
“Titan, Oceanus, commencing targeting for the belly-mounted coilgun… Targeting complete. Firing!”
A large current surged through the multi-stage coils within the cannon, accelerating the projectile. The initial speed reached 8,194 meters per second, exceeding Mach 24.
The fired projectile surged forward, undeterred by air resistance. Although it heated up due to aerodynamic heating, the evaporating surface coating prevented that heat from transferring internally.
Approximately three seconds after firing…
The high-performance explosives within the projectile detonated, scattering the small warheads embedded in the warhead in the direction of travel.
“Impact confirmed.”
At Ringo’s report, Commander Eve leaned forward, intently watching the footage.
The Wyvern in the video shone brilliantly white. It was clear that the barrier was functioning effectively.
“Visual confirmation. No damage. Flight speed is further increasing.”
“Not good!”
They had managed to land a hit, but as expected, the projectile was nullified by the magical barrier.
“The impact of the hit may have been neutralized or converted into acceleration! The Wyvern clearly accelerated upon impact!”
“Seriously?! Is that even allowed?!”
Indeed, Rain Croin had not simply negated the kinetic energy of impacts; it had flipped over as if nothing had happened. While the internal shock did not transfer, it was evident that the absorbed energy was being released in some form.
If that release was directed opposite to its movement, it would indeed accelerate…
“High-energy reaction detected in the Wyvern’s head.”
“What now?!”
In the rapidly changing situation, Commander Eve cried out in alarm.
A beam of light shot from the Wyvern towards Titan.