Chapter 198: Specialized Warhead
“Three of them are approaching, but do Soul Butterflies usually swarm?”
“Indeed. I have not heard of such behavior. They have only been sighted alone.”
In the end, the head diplomat, Tiariada Eremes, made an urgent defensive request to the Paraiso.
While the head diplomat holds a nearly top position domestically, unfortunately, matters of national defense fall outside her jurisdiction.
Thus, she prepared a document that grants the unconditional activation of defensive rights recognized by the diplomatic delegation, limited to the vicinity of this city. Normally, defensive rights are acknowledged under the direction of accompanying diplomats. In essence, it was a permit stating, “As long as it is an action to protect life or property, anything is permissible.”
Such documents are rarely issued. However, in this case, the abandonment of the city had already been decided, and evacuation had begun. The judgment was made that even if defensive actions caused damage to the city, it would not exceed the losses incurred from complete abandonment.
That said, if any issues were to arise, Tiariada’s political life would likely come to an end.
“Hopper Alpha has locked onto the target. Distance: approximately 1 Ektan.”
Hopper Alpha is the first of the multi-legged tanks accompanying the delegation. It bent its six legs, anchoring itself to the ground while lowering its body close to the earth to lower its center of gravity. The railgun mounted on its rotating turret was already aimed at one of the Soul Butterflies.
“Can you really determine the exact distance? It’s so hard to see at this time…”
The one speaking to Alborea Heath was Rancs, the head hunter of the local hunter’s guild, who had been recommended as an information provider. Unfortunately, he had no combat experience with Soul Butterflies and seemed to possess only basic knowledge.
Nevertheless, he had extensive knowledge of various flora and fauna inhabiting the forest, and since no one else had more information than what had been communicated about the Soul Butterflies, he was the most suitable candidate.
“There is a method to accurately measure the distance. By the way, what reasons could explain why Soul Butterflies, which usually do not swarm, are doing so now?”
“Um… If we think of them as insects, perhaps it could be related to reproduction?”
Alborea’s question prompted Rancs to respond immediately. He had likely been pondering this for some time. Monsters possess unique ecologies, but they also reflect the characteristics of the plants and animals they originated from.
“It seems that two are clearly chasing one. The only plausible explanation is reproductive behavior. If it’s some other unique ecological trait of monsters, I wouldn’t know.”
“I see. We can determine whether it’s male or female once we take one down. Understood.”
The evacuation of the city’s residents had already begun. Soldiers were herding the panicked citizens along. There was no time to spare for gathering belongings.
If the counterattack succeeded, aside from potential looting, there would generally be no damage. Conversely, if they failed, everything would be lost regardless. Time was running short.
Many residents were reluctant to leave, but they were being forcibly evacuated through the use of power and violence. Although the Forest Country (Lebresta) is not a feudal system, it has a similar power structure. Thus, it seemed they could not defy the mayor’s request.
“…Can we really defeat them?”
Given that the opponent was a girl, Rancs asked with uncertainty. If it weren’t for the security machines nearby and the multi-legged tank taking an attack stance ahead, he would have completely underestimated the situation.
It seemed he was genuinely intimidated by the imposing presence of the multi-legged tank.
“While I have never actually taken down a Soul Butterfly in this country…”
Alborea Heath lowered the head-mounted display that had been perched on her forehead with one hand.
A crisp click echoed as a line of light ran across the surface of her equipment.
Of course, it was merely for show. There was no particular reason for the light.
“I have confirmed through references from the homeland that there are records of Big Moss being defeated. With our current equipment, we are more than capable of countering them. There is no need for concern.”
Despite her calm response, Rancs appeared somewhat dissatisfied, yet he fell silent. After all, he had been directly ordered by the head diplomat, the highest-ranking official in the diplomatic department. He was to respond to her requests as swiftly as possible, ensuring there was no disrespect.
Even if he felt some dissatisfaction or suspicion, or if he harbored any contempt as a foreign national, he was not to express such sentiments.
In reality, seeing the massive Golem moving freely at the behest of the diplomat would likely deter anyone from incurring her displeasure.
By the way, Tiariada Eremes was stationed in the rear as a precaution, while her chief aide, Baruadega Tigris, had already left the city with the evacuees.
Additionally, to provide reassurance, the fusion reactor-powered vehicle (Little Whale) was tasked with covering their retreat. Thus, Alistarta Heath was accompanying it.
“We will first attack from a distance, much like the arrows you use. The effective range is approximately 800 T. I have heard they are drawn to Magic Hotspots, but if those three are moving due to reproductive behavior, they may ignore it. In that case, we will need to pursue.”
“Understood.”
Whether the 800 T range was the guaranteed hit distance or the maximum range would give some insight into the capabilities of their Golem. Rancs, who had been personally requested by the head diplomat to observe and confirm a portion of their power, nodded and returned to his observation.
Even he was being closely monitored by the machines belonging to the Paraiso.
The Soul Butterflies were fluttering erratically, steadily approaching the northern side of the city where the multi-legged tanks were positioned.
Though their trajectory was wobbly, it was clear they were heading this way. By plotting their movement points and averaging them, it became evident they were approaching without hesitation.
According to Rancs, the only Magic Hotspot discovered in this area was located in the southern plains of the city. If there were no other hotspots in the vicinity, it made sense that they were coming this way.
“Distance to target: 750 T.”
“Are we not going to attack?”
The leading Soul Butterfly had already crossed the effective range of 800 T.
“We will attack once all three are within range. It would be troublesome if they escape.”
“I see…”
Eventually, the two following behind also fell within the 800 T range.
The Soul Butterflies showed no interest in the humans or multi-legged tanks on the ground. While they are omnivorous, humans are far too small compared to them. They were simply beneath their notice.
“Fire.”
The main cannon of the multi-legged tank, having finely adjusted its aim to match the soaring Soul Butterflies, unleashed a round with a thunderous roar. The sound of the projectile breaking the sound barrier created a sonic boom.
The fired projectile was a high-speed metal flechette round developed for use against Big Moss. Traveling at approximately 4,000 m/s, the round activated its timed fuse after flying roughly 800 m, releasing 60 embedded flechettes.
Direct hit.
Several of the flechettes grazed the surface, but most penetrated the Soul Butterfly’s exterior as calculated. Due to the close distance, it wasn’t riddled with holes, but a large gaping wound had opened in its chest. It was undoubtedly a fatal blow.
The leading Soul Butterfly, losing its balance, began to spin uncontrollably.
“Next round loaded. Fire.”
The next target was the one at the rear, with a distance of approximately 1,200 m between them.
“Hit.”
This time, due to the increased distance, the flechettes had spread out sufficiently. However, perhaps due to air resistance slowing them down, there seemed to be fewer effective hits. Still, a dozen or so penetrated its surface, scattering fragments of its skin and bodily fluids into the air.
“Final shot.”
The third shot struck the neck of the middle Soul Butterfly, causing its head to nearly tear off, likely resulting in instant death.
The last individual did not die immediately; it attempted to flee but ultimately succumbed and crashed to the ground.
In roughly three minutes, all three Soul Butterflies had been defeated.
The new type of warhead prepared by The Tree had proven to be effective. It was neither too strong nor too weak, delivering just the right amount of power to take down Big Moss.
It was relatively easy to explain to the people of Lebresta, and the range could be intentionally limited while maintaining sufficient attack power within the effective range.
However, no other uses for it beyond combating Big Moss had been identified.