Chapter 307: Reconnaissance of the Demon Forest
The Hungry Fortress is eager to create a great battleship in this otherworldly realm. Volume 3 of World of Sandbox is set to be released!!
“Reconnaissance team, launch!”
From the makeshift airfield on the outskirts of the Holy Capital of the Prava Divine Nation, reconnaissance aircraft took to the skies one after another.
The stealth reconnaissance aircraft LSRF-1, known as the Little Owl.
This jet was developed for aerial reconnaissance, maximizing its stealth capabilities in the microwave spectrum. It was specifically designed to evade radar detection, making it essentially invisible to radar systems. However, it lacked concealment against visible light and sound waves. The aircraft was built to respond to threat creatures that react to microwaves.
“Target location: Trout Nursery. Estimated arrival in 40 minutes.”
“According to information from Amagio, there might be some monsters present…”
As Eve glanced at the information streaming in from the reconnaissance unit Scout A, which Akane was controlling, she muttered her concerns. They were currently gathering intelligence on the Trout Nursery, the former base of Amagio Silverhead. This was just the beginning of their aerial reconnaissance.
“Sister! The recorded data indicates multiple flying-type monsters have been confirmed! The timestamp is over 100 years old, so the ecosystem may have changed, but it might still be difficult to breach the upper atmosphere!”
Even so, the information they had suggested that aerial reconnaissance was deemed dangerous. It seemed that Amagio Salmon’s flying machines had been shot down by monsters at a very early stage.
It appeared that they had been overwhelmed by a swarm of smaller monsters rather than large threat creatures. Fortunately, the flying-type monsters had not attacked from the ground.
“That aside, direct dispatch really does enhance the accuracy of our information.”
“Yes, Sister. The precision of the sensors we carry has improved. We should actively consider external dispatches from now on.”
With the acquisition of vast resources, the production of rare materials had also increased proportionately. This allowed for the manufacturing of higher-performance equipment. Not only had there been improvements in fine-tuning performance, but new technological systems had also been unlocked.
“The jet engine has seen improvements in combustion temperature, output, fuel efficiency, and weight reduction. I’ve heard that the Little Owl is set for preliminary mass production, but how is that progressing?”
“…The operational data is increasing. Ichigo mentioned that they plan to deploy the Little Owl with the expectation of attrition during the Northern Continent investigation…”
Olive, who was adjusting the production facilities at the Second Fortress (Black Iron), responded to Eve’s inquiry. She was currently identifying and resolving issues with the preliminary mass production models of the Little Owl, preparing the production line for full-scale manufacturing. Once operational, they would be able to supply hundreds of aircraft daily.
“…Without a command aircraft, we can’t move flexibly…”
The Little Owl was a reconnaissance aircraft and could not maintain close information coordination with the rear base. Wireless communication was highly conspicuous, so they were considering operations either as a standalone unit or in small teams centered around a command aircraft. However, operating independently limited the amount of information they could process, leaving no room for advanced computational capabilities. Thus, they were envisioning a unit accompanied by a larger command aircraft.
“The command aircraft will also be a stealth type, right? Oh, and it will have active stealth capabilities too.”
Ideally, they would want it to be completely invisible, but as the size of the aircraft increased, that became more challenging. Moreover, since the command function required some form of external information transmission, concealing that would disrupt communication with the subordinate units.
Therefore, they were integrating a new active stealth system into the command aircraft. This would include both optical camouflage by manipulating the surface color of the aircraft and electromagnetic camouflage that emitted deceptive signals.
“Well, how effective it will be against threat creatures remains uncertain! While we have biological radar, we still know almost nothing about other sensory mechanisms!”
As Asahi pointed out, even with stealth capabilities, the effectiveness of the aircraft had yet to be evaluated. For instance, while it was certain that Wyverns possessed biological radar that operated in the microwave spectrum, that did not prove they lacked other detection methods. If there were magical means of detection, they could not be easily deceived.
“All we can do is proceed cautiously. We don’t want to inadvertently attract a swarm of threat creatures.”
“If The Reflector were to invade under current conditions, the military strength of the Prava Divine Nation would be unable to resist.”
Akane’s words rang true. While The Tree had significantly enhanced its power by acquiring territory, it had not gained enough strength to repel all observed threat creatures. To counter them, they needed to analyze and understand the enigmatic technology of magic.
“That aside, Sister. Scout A is approaching the target area. We can begin observations within ten minutes.”
“Oh, have we already gotten that close?”
As their casual conversation continued, about thirty minutes had passed in no time. The formation of Little Owls, flying at subsonic speeds at an altitude of 8,000 meters, had already reached the borders of the Demon Forest. So far, everything seemed calm, but they were still at the outer edge, far from the depths where the problematic monsters were expected to appear.
“Well, just a little more. Once we confirm safety above, we can dispatch reconnaissance helicopters…”
If they could deploy aircraft, the distance constraints would be nearly eliminated. As long as the situation wasn’t too dire, they could manage logistical issues with piston transport. Moving on the ground to the site was far too disadvantageous. Using aircraft would significantly reduce travel time, but…
“Detecting multiple biological responses. Sister, something is emerging!”
“Ugh. So they really are there…”
“Oh, Sister! It seems a group of flying creatures has appeared!”
But despite Eve’s hopes, Scout A reported an anomaly. Akane displayed the detection information on the command room’s screen.
“Initial analysis: Three groups detected, with a total count between 140 and 220. Average body length is between 2 and 3 meters. They emerged from the forest and are ascending in altitude. Flight speed is variable.”
“Sister! These are definitely monsters! The group is climbing vertically! Their speed exceeds 400 km/h!”
Scout A, tasked with reconnaissance, had maintained significant spacing between each aircraft. The distance between them was about 1 kilometer, forming a diamond-shaped formation, and it seemed that a swarm of flying-type monsters was ascending towards the lead aircraft.
“Display the footage.”
The rear Little Owl transmitted the captured footage. The video was processed in real-time and displayed prominently on the command room’s screen.
“…A peacock?”
The creatures appearing on the screen resembled long-tailed birds, shining like peacocks. The sunlight reflected off their feathers and bodies, making them glimmer.
“Secondary analysis: 183 individuals detected. Average body length is 3 meters, wingspan is 2 meters. Estimated flight speed is projected to reach 900 km/h.”
“Wow, these monsters are about to catch up to the Little Owl!”
The cruising speed of the Little Owl was around 900 km/h, classified as subsonic and not reaching the speed of sound. Supersonic flight would generate a loud sonic boom, making it unsuitable for reconnaissance missions. The aircraft was designed to avoid that while pushing its speed to the limit, yet the monsters were climbing vertically, closing in on that speed.
“Distance is less than 1 kilometer.”
“A peacock flying at subsonic speeds…?”
Eve wore a stunned expression, while Akane reported calmly. Meanwhile, Asahi eagerly began analyzing the information.
“Detecting a luminous phenomenon.”
“Oh no! The sensors!”
“What?”
Suddenly, a yellow flash erupted from the group of peacocks. In that instant, the lead Little Owl exploded into a shower of debris.
Well then, it seems we are about to fully deploy into the Demon Forest. However, it appears we are facing a baptism of fire…
This marks the return of updates. Thank you for your patience.
I struggled quite a bit with Volume 3, but I have finally completed the first draft. The release date is still undecided, so please bear with us a little longer!