Chapter 333: Ringo’s Resolve (Fluffy)
“I will definitely uncover the truth.”
“Come on, you don’t have to be so serious about it…”
Eve was being stared at intently by Ringo. Ever since the incident where Eve used a magic tool, Ringo had been glued to her, not letting any minor issue slip by.
In the beginning, Ringo literally followed Eve everywhere. It was so intrusive that Eve had to ask Ringo to tone it down.
Currently, the means to measure magic density involved using a Magic Essence Meter and X-ray imaging. Among these, X-ray imaging was the only way to confirm the accumulation of magic essence within a living body.
However, it was not feasible to monitor constantly with X-rays, as it could lead to serious health issues due to radiation exposure.
“…We’ll conduct X-ray imaging once a week and enhance the medical checks. We’ll also deploy and operate nanomachines for cellular repair. Please prepare to attach vital check equipment.”
“Hmm… Didn’t we stop using nanomachines because their maintenance costs were outrageous?”
“Yes, Ma’am. While the costs will be high, we currently have a prospect for producing superior high-performance materials in orbit. Given the financial situation, it is now at a level where it can be operated effectively.”
“Let me see it.”
Whenever it came to Eve, Ringo tended to propose extravagant measures without regard for costs, so Eve needed to firmly rein her in. However, it was difficult for an ordinary person like Eve to judge what was excessive and what was insufficient…
“…Self-replicating types are too high-risk, so let’s reject those. If we go with implants, they can be controlled externally, so that might work… But having to replenish them every three days is a hassle, and the effects would be minimal…”
By the way, Ringo hadn’t mentioned that if nanomachines were operated properly, a complete backup of the neural network would be possible.
Of course, there would be many constraints, but since Eve was mostly holed up in The Tree, Ringo’s desired functions could likely be realized. Still, considering self-identity, using a backup would only be a last resort in the worst-case scenario.
“Well, if that’s the case… It’s high-cost, but it’s just for me. You can proceed once you’re ready.”
“Yes, Ma’am. Thank you. I’ll get started right away.”
The implanting of nanomachines literally meant embedding nanomachine control devices within the body. They would diagnose the internal state and, through external control, produce and manage the appropriate nanomachines.
With Eve’s direct protective measures approved, Ringo’s emotions began to stabilize somewhat.
A secret message had also been sent from Nus, indicating that the temporary shock state would stabilize soon, so Eve decided to wrap up this topic for now.
“…So, Asahi was tinkering with the wyvern, right? How’s that going?”
“Oh, that’s right! I completely forgot in my excitement over using magic tools!”
The Brain Unit using the Communicator Android was designed to show many favorable reactions through direct contact. Thus, Eve, Ringo, and the six sisters were currently huddled together in a fluffy formation around Eve. This was a mental stabilization formation for Ringo.
While confirming the relaxation effects were in play, Eve prompted Asahi to continue.
“We’re currently in the midst of disassembly, and so far, there haven’t been any strange findings! We’re starting with the torso and internal organs, and compared to existing reptiles, there are no significant anomalies aside from size!”
“…The absence of anomalies is itself an anomaly.”
Asahi’s cheerful voice was followed by Akane’s quiet addition.
“Given its massive size, it should have unique mechanisms to maintain it. At least, so far, we haven’t found any such mechanisms.”
“It feels like it’s being forcefully resolved by some magical mystery. If that’s the case, we’re at a dead end! We can’t analyze the mechanisms!”
“…Well, at least we found out that it doesn’t deviate from existing biological species, which is a gain, right?”
Eve responded to the report. However, this fact contained significant implications. A threat creature with a gigantic body closely resembled existing biological structures. This suggested that existing creatures might have been enlarged due to magic.
“Also, while dissecting, we’re making sure not to sever the connection to the magic stone, and so far, the body tissue structural enhancement function hasn’t been lost! If we push it, we might even be able to mount it on a Titan!”
“…Like that frontline fortress?”
“Yes, Older Sister!”
Eve glanced at Ringo’s Emotion Graph. The graph showed a temporary stability.
It seemed Ringo was ignoring Asahi’s playful remarks.
“If the Titan can exhibit this robustness and even deploy that kinetic energy conversion-type magical barrier, it would truly become an unsinkable battleship! Even against a swarm of wyverns, we could scatter them effortlessly!”
“Well, if it can defend against their attacks, we could annihilate them unilaterally. The problem is that we can only operate one ship…”
“If we can hunt wyverns, we could operate multiple ships!”
“Are there really that many wyverns around…?”
Moreover, wyverns likely occupied a position near the top of the food chain. Overhunting them would severely disrupt the power balance in the surrounding area.
At least, in the recent observations, four wyverns had been confirmed dead within the observable range. The death of just one had already caused significant repercussions, with monsters flooding into the Forest Country (Lebresta).
“Well, if we do it, we’ll need to gather various information first! If we’re not careful, we could be overwhelmed and slaughtered by their numbers!”
As Asahi pointed out, the advantage of The Tree in the Northern Continent lay in its numbers. Throughout the battles so far, multiple individuals capable of resisting the main ground combat weapon, the multi-legged tank, had been confirmed. Naturally, there were also several more powerful threat creatures, and it was estimated that similar threat creatures thrived in the Demon Forest.
If such entities were to surge forth in a stampede, even The Tree would be overwhelmed by sheer numbers.
“Asahi, I’ve recently realized something. This continent feels like it’s standing on thin ice…”
“I’ve been sensing that too…”
The realm of the Demon Forest, where powerful threat creatures roamed, was a domain humanity struggled to resist. The existence of the Prava Divine Nation, a state that invaded others through the power of magic.
While the situation with threat creatures was delicate, it was clear that without The Tree’s intervention, most existing nations would have been swallowed by the Prava Divine Nation.
“Regarding threat creatures, there might be changes in territory over hundreds of years, but over a span of decades, it seems there are hardly any changes. It feels like humanity has been increasing in the gaps left by them, allowing nations to form.”
“Well, we still don’t understand why Fenrir suddenly advanced, right? But unless such sudden events occur, the Demon Forest seems like a good hunting ground, so it’s understandable that human nations have survived. From a broader perspective, the Prava Divine Nation is simply a strong nation that started a Unification War.”
The Prava Divine Nation, at least in terms of species preservation, was somewhat justifiable. It was clear they aimed for prosperity rather than extinction.
“Regardless, the priority is information gathering, information gathering! There are still too many unknowns, so let’s put more effort into it!”
“Ringo, make sure to check that we don’t go overboard, okay?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
The fluffy formation was everyone’s source of comfort. It had a high relaxation effect and was good for beauty. Ringo was holding on tightly.