Chapter 172: Tactical AI Wederia
“Finally, we can return the Titan to the skies…”
The Titan Class Aerial Escort Ship, designated as Alpha, had endured a fierce battle against a Wyvern, sustaining critical damage that required extensive repairs. At long last, those repairs were complete.
“I feel like it might have been faster to rebuild it from scratch, but it’s Alpha after all.”
“Yes, Commander. The experience gained from repairing the hull has provided us with valuable data, so there are no issues.”
Despite its battered state, the Titan managed to land on the runway of the Flatarra Urban Outskirts Base. However, as a supply base, it had maintenance facilities but lacked the capability for comprehensive repairs. Thus, constructing repair facilities was necessary.
The simplest solution would have been to dismantle the ship on-site for resource reclamation and then build a new hull. However, that felt too cruel, so a thorough overhaul was undertaken instead.
A detailed investigation of the structural integrity was conducted, with necessary reinforcements and replacements made. They examined how forces had acted on the ship during flight and combat maneuvers, ensuring no malfunctions had occurred.
Meanwhile, the Gigantia and its companions, Oceanus and Coeus, continued their aerial operations. Although there was a proposal to conduct overhauls on them as well, the priority was to collect operational data while they remained in flight.
The Gigantia Unit circled above the Afrasia United Kingdom, keeping radar output low to avoid provoking Wyverns and other Threat Creatures. Their reduced detection capabilities were compensated for by reconnaissance aircraft and satellites.
“Titan, commencing takeoff.”
The U-Class AI, Wederia, began its report.
Wederia was a tactical AI newly constructed based on Utsugi. While Strategic AIs primarily handle policy setting and information analysis, Tactical AIs focus on executing given commands.
Although it is possible to operate multiple Tactical AIs as a Strategic AI, they are generally treated as separate entities.
Tactical AIs are often mounted on tactical-grade weaponry, leading to enhanced performance in functions akin to a human’s motor cortex. In other words, they can handle the machinery or weaponry they are installed in with utmost proficiency.
“Nuclear Fusion Reactor output is within normal range. Engine outputs are increasing. No abnormalities detected in any sections. Takeoff sequence is proceeding normally.”
Utsugi, which had previously yielded excellent results in machine operations, had its Neural Pattern utilized for the Tactical AI.
The first of these was the Tactical AI Wederia.
“Engine output has reached the designated value. Igniting boosters. Unlocking the hull. Titan, commencing takeoff.”
Previously, the control of such massive structures relied on external operations managed by a large-capacity AI system installed at the base.
From now on, the plan was to transfer control authority to the AIs installed in each device. This aimed to improve response time delays associated with remote control. If sufficiently high-performance AIs could be installed, the benefits of remote control would diminish.
Naturally, the Brain Unit of the installed AIs was heavily protected.
“Speed: 300 km/h… Speed: 400 km/h… Speed: 500 km/h. Taking off.”
The Titan accelerated down the runway, gradually gaining altitude with the aid of its boosters. Once a certain flight speed and altitude were achieved, the rocket boosters for takeoff were jettisoned.
“Boosters jettisoned. Flight speed has reached 700 km/h. Aircraft stable. All systems checked, no abnormalities. Nuclear Fusion Reactor output is within normal range. Energy supply levels are normal.”
Under Wederia’s control, the Titan completed its takeoff without a hitch. While simulations had shown favorable results, the actual operation proceeded smoothly as well.
“Good, everything’s going well. Wederia, excellent work. You’ll continue solo flights for about a week, but if there are no issues, we’ll install you on Oceanus and Coeus as well. Keep it up.”
“Yes, Commander. Thank you. I will strive to improve.”
Plans were also in place to install the E-Class AI, Eremulus, on the Gigantia. Given the ample capacity of the aircraft, the installation would occur while it continued to fly. Specifically, it would operate alongside the current Strategic AI, and if all went well, it would be integrated into Eremulus.
“So, this means we will have the first fully independent unit from The Tree. If operations go smoothly, we should also equip the naval fleet with Independent AIs.”
“Yes, Commander. That is the plan.”
At the very least, preparations for communication satellites were underway. While the communication bandwidth for real-time control had not yet been secured, control via Independent AIs would allow for flexible responses even if communication was lost.
“Until now, we’ve barely managed to survive, but it’s time to focus on information gathering as well.”
The same applied to space exploration. While operations continued primarily for communication and aerial photography, it might be time to increase the number of operational units or deploy higher-performance platforms.
“Resource collection has increased, but with the expansion of our dominion, consumption has also risen. For now, we should maintain the status quo and focus on expanding our internal affairs.”
“True. It’s been a while since I’ve heard the term ‘internal affairs’…”
In real-time strategy games, the term ‘internal affairs’ is often used in contrast to military expansion. Reflecting on it, this stage is indeed about expanding internal affairs.
They had expanded their dominion and secured mineral veins. Now, it was time to turn those secured veins into resources.
“Titan has reached the designated altitude. Transitioning to cruising speed.”
The three-dimensional radar confirmed that the Titan had reached an altitude of approximately 10,000 meters. The Titan’s cruising speed was around 800 km/h. At this speed, unnecessary air resistance was minimized, and sufficient lift was maintained.
“Entering operational verification for all equipment. Verification is expected to take three hours. After that, we will transition to the designated flight path.”
“Okay. Everything’s going smoothly, Wederia. Keep it up.”
“Yes, Commander.”
The Gigantia Unit soared through the skies. Currently, there were no specific targets for conquest, so they continued on their circular flight path.
However, simply flying around felt like a waste.
Currently, a wide escort unit was deployed around them, forming a Single Column Formation with Oceanus, Gigantia, and Coeus in that order. Overall, it might resemble a circular formation.
Behind Coeus, a data collection-focused aerial unit was deployed, using radar to scan the ground and underground.
The Afrasia United Kingdom’s territory was vast. Conducting ground surveys would take years to complete.
Thus, they first estimated the terrain from satellite images and then conducted aerial surveys based on that information.
Observing the underground via radio waves is challenging but not impossible. However, using overly powerful electromagnetic waves could attract Threat Creatures.
So far, the data collection unit was recording exposed surface components. Discovering exposed mineral veins would be ideal, but sometimes metallic components accumulate on the surface mixed with groundwater. By detecting such traces over a wide area and performing calculations, they could predict underground mineral veins.
As a result, the Gigantia Unit was spotted in various locations.
Naturally, they were confirmed not only within the Afrasia United Kingdom but also in neighboring countries across the border.
Among these nations, the one that reacted most excessively was the Forest Country (Lebresta), which still maintained only minimal interactions.
The information that the Paraiso faction had taken control of the Afrasia United Kingdom had already been communicated through the embassy in East Gate City. However, due to the circumstances, the Forest Country had been unable to gather further information. Given their distinct appearance, sending spies would have been difficult.
In such a situation, a massive machine flying through the air would inevitably attract attention.
As for the western nations of the Afrasia United Kingdom, they had made some progress in understanding the situation. Now, it was time to turn their gaze eastward.