Chapter 190: Big Moss
In the northern forest region of the Forest Country (Lebresta), a vast area that includes part of the national territory, the Butterfly Monster (Big Moss) was experiencing a massive population boom.
The name of this monster was discovered in the literature of the Adventurers Guild in North End City. There had been several records of its extermination in the past.
The Big Moss is omnivorous.
Especially in its larval stage, it seems to consume nearly everything except for soil and stones indiscriminately. Once it matures into an adult, it prefers to feast on the trees of the forest, likely favoring the False Green Tree (Treant). However, there are also records indicating that it has preyed upon other monsters, animals, and even humans.
“It is believed that measures are being taken against this monster in Lebresta. Trade at the East Gate city will likely become more active as well.”
“That’s good, but will the compensation be sufficient?”
“For the time being, we can use precious metals and gemstones. However, if this situation continues, it is expected that those resources will soon run out. We should send a diplomatic mission soon to investigate potential trade goods.”
“If we were to send reinforcements, what kind of compensation would we demand?”
If left unchecked, the worst-case scenario could unfold. The neighboring country could become a nest of monsters, leading to a massive influx of refugees.
While there are ways to handle such a situation, considering a long-term relationship, it would be better for the neighboring country to maintain a good relationship and continue to exist for a long time.
Dealing with a fallen nation is quite troublesome.
“National bonds, to put it plainly, debt. Or perhaps the cession of some territory. Alternatively, we could consider a leasehold. We have no intention of importing anything useless, so it would be best if they could prepare something of value.”
RINGO was contemplating the direction of sending aid to Lebresta, in line with Commander Eve’s intentions. However, at this point, there was no expectation of a return on that expenditure, preventing The Tree from intervening on a grand scale.
If only some kind of mineral vein could be discovered within Lebresta, we could send in forces under the pretense of occupation.
Though, from Lebresta’s perspective, that would be a genuine occupation, which they would certainly resent.
“Let’s conduct an extermination of the Big Moss around North End City. If we can determine its weaknesses and durability, we might be able to relay that information.”
“That’s true… but it’s tricky. In a game, you’d receive rewards for clearing events, but it doesn’t work that way here…”
Thus, it was decided to utilize aerial forces to exterminate the Butterfly Monster (Big Moss).
“Visual confirmation of an adult. Length: 12.3 meters. Wingspan: 14.8 meters. Body length is approximately 6 meters. A manageable size.”
“Wow, that’s huge.”
The monitor displayed the Big Moss gracefully soaring above the forest, fluttering in the wind. According to RINGO’s analysis, no scientifically explainable method of flight had been observed.
In other words, the Big Moss was flying in accordance with aerodynamics despite its massive size.
“While we aren’t conducting precise measurements, it is likely that the Big Moss’s weight is much lighter than it appears. Its low density allows it to float easily.”
Being light implies it is fragile and weak. However, the Big Moss did not appear weak at all.
“The structural framework supporting that massive body is likely magically enhanced. If it were to perform those movements at that size, it should have broken apart at various points.”
“Indeed, it’s a monster after all. It seems to have undergone body and structural enhancement.”
“Yes, Commander. No other magical phenomena have been observed. There are no signs of abnormal acceleration. Additionally, once it lands, it seems to have difficulty taking off again, as it appears to spend time in the air even at night.”
The Big Moss was riding the wind. While it did flap its wings, once it landed in the forest, the trees obstructed its ability to flap effectively. It was noted that it had been seen landing in open areas like the Fairy Circle.
“There are no other individuals within visual range. Commencing attack.”
The attack aircraft was a tiltrotor designed for ground targets or low-speed aerial targets. It could reduce its flight speed and hover for attacks as needed.
The multi-barrel machine gun mounted beneath the nose unleashed a barrage of 7mm machine gun bullets. Any ordinary animal caught in such a hail of fire would likely be reduced to mincemeat without any resistance.
“The machine gun bullets are ricocheting off. They are being deflected by the surface.”
“Impressive, as expected from a fantasy creature…”
With its rounded shape and large wings positioned at an angle to the attacking aircraft, the bullets were gliding off the surface without inflicting any damage, likely due to the angle of entry.
“Even after being shot at with machine gun fire, it’s still charging in. It might even be stronger than our attack aircraft…”
“That depends on what kind of offensive capabilities it possesses. But in terms of defense alone, it seems sturdier than our aircraft.”
The target, the Big Moss, appeared to have noticed the machine gun fire and flapped its enormous wings, changing its course toward the attack aircraft.
It seemed to lack effective long-range offensive capabilities. This was good news.
“It seems to rely solely on close-range attacks. Just a body slam from that massive size would scatter us to pieces.”
“Since it relies on aerodynamics, its movements are predictable. If it’s alone, we shouldn’t have much trouble.”
However, the fact that 7mm machine gun bullets could strike it at relatively close range without causing any noticeable effect was purely a threat. At the very least, it indicated that infantry-class handheld weapons would struggle to inflict effective damage.
“Changing attack weapon to grenades.”
If machine gun bullets were ineffective, the next option would be larger caliber rounds. A 60mm grenade launcher, mounted coaxially with the machine gun, would be used. The warhead was a shell designed to inflict damage through explosive shrapnel.
“Commencing attack.”
The launched shell exploded near the Big Moss, scattering metal fragments.
“It doesn’t seem to have inflicted effective damage. The hardness of its surface likely exceeds the impact force of the fragments.”
“Hmm… After all, it’s just an anti-personnel weapon. Should we use a more powerful cannon to hit it directly?”
Upon reflection, the machine gun bullets that struck directly were deflected. It was only natural that metal fragments propelled by explosives wouldn’t be able to inflict damage either.
There seemed to be some effect in destabilizing its trajectory due to the pressure from the explosion, however.
“It can be used as a suppressive fire to prevent it from getting closer. While it won’t lead to a kill, it serves a purpose.”
Despite a series of grenades exploding either directly or nearby, no significant damage was observed.
“Well, I suppose it’s time for the railgun.”
“Yes, Commander. We will conduct a direct shot using the railgun. Ammunition type: armor-piercing shell. Capacitor charge commencing. Complete. Fire!”
From the side of the attack aircraft, a short-barreled railgun fired a projectile at an initial velocity of 4,000 m/s.
“It penetrated. Recognized as an effective attack.”
The fired shell pierced through the Big Moss from the front. The impact caused the Big Moss’s body to explode, scattering its wings and legs, leaving its body to twirl and drift through the air.
“Whoa… what a splatter.”
“Shall we process the footage?”
“No, it’s not that bad.”
At the very least, it was confirmed that the armor-piercing shell, traveling at 4,000 m/s, resulted in an overkill. With such a pulverized state, it would be unusable as material. Moreover, the crucial Magic Stone would also be unrecoverable.
“Should we continue to exterminate a few more?”
“Yes, I’d like to recover materials, and we need to think of a suitable method of attack. This time, let’s avoid blowing it apart.”
“Yes, Commander.”