Marmiadoise

 

It was on the third day after Kou, Asia, and Aimer had arrived at the underground factory named Realm.

「Outis. The Teras have begun to move. We have detected a considerable number. This could be dangerous.」

「Yeah. Polymetis just informed me. I’ve already contacted Astraea.」

「Looks like it’s about time we head back. Can we leave things here to you, Arthur?」

「Of course!」

Arthur had already received emergency repairs. As mobility was a priority, Kou had given Arthur the highest-grade limbs that could currently be produced. His armor, instead, had only been minimally replaced and was in the middle of being repaired.

「I never thought I’d even come close to my former strength… But I must admit, Outis, I’m surprised. I never imagined you had the authority to develop a positron cannon.」

「I was more surprised by Polymetis’ technological prowess.」

Kou and Asia had deemed it impossible to miniaturize a positron cannon, but thanks to Polymetis’ technology, they had successfully reduced it to a size operable by a Silhouette. Of course, the modern Silhouettes lacked sufficient output, but Arthur, an Another Level Silhouette, could wield it effectively.

「You do understand, right? Astraea must never find out about this.」

Even the original Astraea may not have been capable of harnessing such technology. The remnants of one of the Twelve Gods of Olympus, the Forging God, possessed abilities of an unfathomable scale.

「I understand. Arthur, you keep it a secret too.」

「Understood. It truly is a wonderful weapon. Its total height is more than twice my own, and it won’t allow for rapid fire. However, I have a high-performance reactor, and Polymetis can maintain it. I shall name it after the legendary sword forged by Vulcanus—Marmiadoise!」

Arthur’s enthusiasm was palpable. It was rare to see a Silhouette so excited, Kou mused.

「It’s a shame we can’t test fire it.」

「You aren’t fully repaired yet. Don’t push it. Our only option is to destroy a compatible Teras and salvage whatever usable parts we can.」

Restoring an Another Level Silhouette was proving to be an immense challenge. It would take a significant amount of time, and there were no suitable replacement materials readily available. Their only viable course of action was to dismantle a suitable enemy Teras and gather any usable components.

Kou couldn’t help but be reminded of a survival game.

「To have rebuilt my master to this extent… A magnificent reconstruction. Outis, you are formidable.」

Morgan praised Kou, though there was a subtle undercurrent of apprehension in her voice. She probably thought it would be hard to control him if Kou ever became their enemy.

Sensing that wariness, Asia interjected.

「Kou has no ulterior motives, so ease up on that, Morgan.」

「But of course.」

Morgan smiled alluringly.

Just then, a communication came in from Abel. Kou responded immediately.

「Big Boss. The mass production of Mythology Weapons is progressing smoothly.」

「Good. Looks like they’ll be deployed in actual combat sooner rather than later.」

The timing was fortuitous, Kou thought. One of the key advantages of the Agathodaimon and the Artificial Kryptos was that they could be produced in large numbers.

「Their first battle might be close at hand.」

「Leave it to me. One could call this the fate of history itself—after all, the British and Japanese styles are a perfect match.」

「…So it seems.」

Kou hesitated for a moment but had to admit the truth of it. The prototype Mythology Weapons had been successfully created in a single attempt.

That was the skill of Abel, who had risen to the rank of a B-rank Development Engineer.

「I just hope their deployment doesn’t confuse our allies. Astraea won’t be angry, will she?」

「Mr. Kinukawa and Captain Eri are in charge of the fleet. It should be fine.」

「My sister will probably be mad, though. Just don’t worry about it.」

「I see… Yeah, you’re right. I’m counting on you to act as an advisor here while I’m out.」

「But of course.」

After finishing his conversation, Kou boarded Unit 5 and went to talk with Steropes.

「I’ll be regrouping with everyone for now. Thanks for everything.」

「You’ll be coming right back, won’t you?」

Steropes sounded like a lonely old man, which made Kou smile.

「Of course. Besides, if everything goes as expected, this place will likely become a relay base connecting Asia and Libya. Soon, there’ll be plenty of humans living here, making it a much livelier place.」

「That sounds wonderful.」

「If you have any messages for Arges, I can pass them along.」

「Then I shall entrust it to Unit 5.」

A confirmation message appeared on Unit 5’s control panel, acknowledging the request.

Kou turned to his companions sitting in the rear seat and called out.

「Asia. Aimer. Master. Let’s go—back to Astraea.」

With that, he initiated resupply and began preparations for deployment.

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

「Abel. Let’s prepare our Artificial Kryptos and Agathodaimons for deployment as well.」

「At present, only two have been completed.」

「Two is more than enough. I never expected both models to be so easily mass-produced. As expected of a British-born Development Engeineer!」

Arthur seemed thoroughly impressed with Abel’s work.

「It would be best to send out the Artificial Kryptos first. The Agathodaimon prototype is extremely weak as a weapon.」

「The enemy Kakodaimon are weaklings too. But their overwhelming numbers pose a real threat. We have no choice but to counter them with numbers of our own. The fact that the new Agathodaimons don’t require conventional weapons manufacturing is remarkable.」

「That’s one of my specialties. The key was looking beyond weapon-based origins for inspiration.」

Abel gave a faint smile. Their combat power might not have been high, but they had successfully met their objectives.

「By the way, I have a question. Does the Trireme Fleet know about these weapons?」

Morgan asked Abel and Eirene about an important point. Even from her perspective, their forms were difficult to classify as conventional weaponry. She could only agree that the name Agathodaimon was perfect for them.

「No idea!」

「No idea!」

Abel and Eirene responded in unison.

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

「Alert status! We’ve received a warning from Big Boss—enemy attack incoming!」

Eri immediately sounded the alarm and connected to Matt.

「Right now, Libya is in the middle of interacting with the residents and the Kryptos. I’ll notify the nearby Silhouettes.」

「We need to hurry with the residents’ evacuation as well. Looks like we’ll be fighting another swarm of those creepy things.」

Eri sighed. Anything grotesque or horror-like was not her forte.

「Things went so smoothly after the first attack…」

The Trireme Space Fleet had relocated to the remains of an old Fortress Area, where they had been warmly received by both the local residents and the Kryptos. While long-term plans were still undecided, their priority had been fostering relations with the locals and the Mythology Weapons.

Just then, another transmission came through.

「We’re heading out to intercept as well. A large Teras is on the move.」

It was from Aural.

「No signs of an attack in other residential areas. Their target is likely the Development Engineers.」

「So, they’re after us.」

Matt ground his teeth in frustration.

「Wouldn’t it be better for us to relocate?」

Kinukawa voiced his concern. If their presence put the residents in danger, then staying put was reckless.

「No. That would be a foolish move. Unlike the Murders, the Teras take humans as hostages.」

「The Murders just kill anyone in their sights… I understand. We’ll maintain full perimeter security around the Fortress Area ruins.」

Eri swiftly issued orders. With Kou absent, it was her duty as captain to take command.

「Astraea, prepare for interception.」

「Of course. With Kou gone, we must perform at our very best.」

Kou had warned them of the attack and was en route towards them. Until he returned, Astraea had to ensure everything was kept under control—anything less would be a disgrace to her name.

「The enemy is countless. They’re weak, but if even one gets through, they’re like annoying flies. Intercept them all!」

Eri reinforced the command, ensuring that everyone understood: not a single enemy was to escape.

To protect the residents, the Trireme Fleet and the Kryptos launched a joint defensive operation.

 

AN:

The legendary sword born from Vulcanus of Mount Etna has finally made its debut. I struggled a bit with the naming, but considering its wielder, its power, and its history, I felt this was the best fit.

And at last! In the next update, the third faction, Eidolon, will make their appearance!

Why were they classified as a third faction, despite supposedly being on humanity’s side? That mystery will finally be revealed!

Something about the Artificial Kryptos and Agathodaimon just gives me a bad feeling! And where is Excalibur?!