Chapter 190: Big Moth
In the northern forest region of the Forest Country (Lebresta), an area including part of its national territory, a large number of butterfly-type monsters (Big Moths) were breeding.
The name of the monster was discovered in the documents of the Adventurer’s Guild in North End City.
There had been records of subjugation several times in the past.
Big Moths are omnivorous.
Especially when they are larvae, they seem to eat almost anything indiscriminately, except for soil and stones.
As adults, they seem to prefer to eat the trees of the forest, probably even False Green Trees (Treants). However, there are also records of other monsters, animals, or even humans being targeted for predation.
“Lebresta is likely taking measures to deal with these monsters. Trade at the East Gate city will probably become more active.”
“That’s good, but will the compensation be okay?”
“For the time being, precious metals and jewels. However, at this rate, it is expected that they will run out of those sooner or later. It will be necessary to send a delegation as soon as possible to investigate trade goods.”
“If we were to send reinforcements, what kind of compensation should we demand?”
If left unattended, the worst-case scenario would be that the neighboring country would become a nest of monsters, resulting in a large number of refugees.
There are ways to deal with that if it happens, but considering long-term relationships, it is better to maintain a good relationship with the neighboring country and have them exist for a long time.
Dealing with a fallen nation is troublesome.
“National bonds, or in plain terms, debt. Or perhaps the cession of some territory. Or there’s also the option of a leasehold. We don’t intend to import anything useless, so it would be good if they could prepare something.”
Taking Commander (Eve)’s intentions into account, ＜Ringo＞ is considering providing aid to Lebresta.
However, at this point, a return on that expenditure cannot be expected, so ＜The Tree＞ cannot intervene on a large scale.
If at least some kind of mineral vein could be found within Lebresta, they could send troops under the guise of occupation.
No, since it would truly become an occupation, it would be unbearable for Lebresta.
“Let’s subjugate this Big Moth once around North End City. If we can figure out its weaknesses and durability, we might be able to pass that information on.”
“Yes, yes… Hmm, it’s difficult. In a game, you’d get some kind of event clear reward, but that’s not how it works here…”
And so, for the time being, it was decided to use air power to subjugate the butterfly-type monster (Big Moth).
◇◇◇◇
“Adult form visually confirmed. Total length 12.3m. Wingspan 14.8m. Body length approximately 6m. A manageable size.”
“Hmm, huge.”
The monitor showed a Big Moth fluttering gracefully through the forest sky. According to ＜Ringo＞’s analysis, no scientifically inexplicable flight methods have been observed.
In other words, the Big Moth is flying according to aerodynamics, despite its enormous size.
“We are not conducting precise measurements, but it is assumed that the Big Moth’s weight is much lighter than it appears. Its low density probably makes it easier to float.”
Light means fragile, weak. But the Big Moth doesn’t look weak.
“The structure supporting that giant body is thought to be magically enhanced. If it performed those movements at that size, various parts would break.”
“So, it’s a monster after all. Body enhancement, or rather, structural enhancement is being performed.”
“Yes, Ma’am. No other magical phenomena have been observed. There is no sign of abnormal acceleration. Also, once it lands, it seems difficult to take off again, so it spends its time in the air, even at night.”
The Big Moth is moving with the wind. It flaps its wings, but if it descends into the forest, the trees get in the way, and it can’t flap its wings properly.
It seems that they were able to confirm that it landed on the ground in open spaces such as within fairy circles.
“No other individuals within visual range. Commencing attack.”
The attack aircraft is a tiltrotor designed for ground targets or slow-flying targets. It can suppress its flight speed and, if necessary, attack while hovering.
The gunpowder-powered multi-barrel machine gun mounted on the underside of the nose scattered 7mm machine gun bullets.
If a normal animal were to be hit by such a barrage, it would be minced without any resistance.
“Machine gun bullets are ricocheting. They’re bouncing off the surface.”
“A-As expected of fantasy…”
The overall shape is rounded, and its large wings are positioned at an angle to the attack aircraft.
There is also the issue of the angle of entry of the bullets; all the bullets are sliding off the surface, and no damage is being inflicted.
“If it can charge in without a problem even when shot with a machine gun, it might be stronger than our attack aircraft…”
“It depends on what kind of attack methods it has. But in terms of defense alone, it is more robust than the aircraft we operate.”
The target Big Moth seemed to have noticed that it was being shot at with a machine gun, and it moved its giant wings with a flap and took a course towards the attack aircraft.
Apparently, it doesn’t have any effective long-range attack methods.
This is good news.
“Only close-range methods? If we get rammed by that giant body, we’ll be torn to pieces.”
“Since it relies on aerodynamics, its actions are also easy to predict. If it’s alone, we shouldn’t have any trouble.”
Nevertheless, the fact that it didn’t even flinch when hit directly by 7mm machine gun bullets at a relatively close range was genuinely threatening.
At the very least, it would be difficult to inflict effective damage with infantry-class portable weapons.
“Changing attack weapon to grenades.”
If machine gun bullets can’t be used, the next thing to try is large-caliber ammunition.
A 60mm grenade launcher mounted coaxially with the machine gun is used.
The warhead is a high-explosive grenade. The purpose is to inflict damage with fragments scattered by the explosion.
“Attack commenced.”
The launched grenade exploded near the Big Moth due to a proximity fuse.
Metal fragments are scattered.
“Not an effective hit… It seems that the hardness of the surface simply exceeds the striking power of the fragments.”
“Hmm… So it’s just an anti-personnel weapon after all. Do we need to hit it directly with a more powerful cannon?”
When you think about it carefully, the machine gun bullets that hit it directly were deflected.
Even though it’s close range, it’s only natural that it can’t be damaged by metal fragments blown away by gunpowder.
However, it seems to have the effect of destabilizing its course due to the pressure of the explosion.
“It can be used as a deterrent to keep it from getting close. But it won’t lead to a defeat.”
Although grenades are hitting directly or exploding nearby in rapid succession, no noticeable damage can be confirmed.
“Well, I guess a railgun is the obvious choice.”
“Yes, Ma’am. Direct fire with a railgun. Ammunition type: armor-piercing round. Capacitor charging started. Completed. Fire.”
A short-barreled railgun mounted on the side of the attack aircraft. From there, a projectile was fired at an initial velocity of 4,000 m/s.
“Penetrated. Effective attack acknowledged.”
The fired projectile pierced the Big Moth from the front.
The impact caused the Big Moth’s body to explode. Its wings and legs were blown off, and its fragmented body scattered and twirled in the sky.
“Ooh… Splatter.”
“Shall I process the video?”
“No, it’s not that bad.”
At least, it was found that an armor-piercing round with an initial velocity of 4,000 m/s is overkill.
If it’s this fragmented, it probably can’t be used as a material.
Also, the crucial magic stone cannot be recovered in this state.
“Shall we continue to subjugate a few more?”
“Hmm. I want to recover it as a material, and I also need to think about a good attack method. This time, let’s try not to make it explode.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”