Execute the Anti-Aberration Arms Wartime Development Operation!
A Type-2 large airship with Takaba Hyoue and Kurt onboard arrived at Fortress Area P336 along with a Type-0 escort.
Kou, who successfully drove back the Arachne-type Aberration Arms, and Blue, who eliminated most of the Argoforce Sniper Unit, also returned to the Fortress Area.
In the meantime, they had managed to hold on. The fact that the Argoforce machines had pilots controlling them this time around was a big factor in giving Kou’s side a much-needed breather.
Murders were able to fight without rest, but having pilots controlling most of their machines this time around greatly reduced the frequency and intensity of nighttime battles with the Argoforce.
And since Familiars were also able to operate 24/7 if need be, Metal Iris held the advantage for now.
And in the midst of this lull in the war, Asia summoned the Ulysses members during the night. It was a pretty rare and unusual course of action for her.
Kou took the lead and called out to each of the Ulysses Development Engineers. This time around, the Development Engineers of BAS and Gogyou, who contributed greatly to the retaking of the orbital elevator, were also called to participate in the meeting.
Barry and the others were busy putting up a defensive line around the currently-immobilized Cimon. Hence, they weren’t called to participate in the meeting.
「I’m sorry for calling on all of you so late at night like this. Asia has something to say to everyone here.」
Kou was still confused by the fact that he was tasked with acting as Asia’s main representative even now. It seemed that he still needed to work on his self-awareness.
「It’s about something we couldn’t discuss during the day, right?」
Kelly let out a hearty laugh. It should also be a matter of great importance.
An anxious-looking George and Abel, as well as Gogyou’s other Development Engineers were also projected on the main screen.
『Exactly, Kelly. After a thorough analysis of the Aberration Arms, we have found that the technology used to create them surpasses the technology that has been released to the public so far in a specific field.』
「It isn’t necessarily just one specific field though, is it, Asia?」
The other Development Engineers stiffened in surprise after hearing Asia’s revelation, but Yunlan alone didn’t seem to get fazed.
『Indeed. It’s as you say, Yunlan. It appears that Libya ended up providing the Stones with access to more advanced technology at their request. But it’s only technology that the Stones are able to understand and implement at their current state. Thankfully, we have managed to avoid the worst-case scenario.』
「What kind of fields, specifically?」
Kurt inquired grimly.
『Technology related to materials science and engineering, for example. Technology and data regarding silicon-based and iron-based materials that are barely within what the current generation of humanity can comprehend and implement has been released. The same goes for technology in order to interfere with the inner workings of the MCS. The range is limited to only arthropods and diapsids in general, which are the basis for most Murder models. Arthropod data and the MCS don’t mesh particularly well though. It’s to the point that even I’m amazed that they were even able to make those things move properly.』
「It seems the materials science tech they managed to obtain can also be implemented on Silhouettes.」
Kinukawa pondered aloud.
『Indeed. The most obvious evidence we’ve encountered of such a thing happening is the Silhouette called the Black Knight that Kou and Nyanta fought earlier in the day. It had adapted a new type of armor. The material it was made of was steel-based. Its ultimate tensile strength is about 10 gigapascals. Theoretically, the armor material has achieved the maximum limit of steel’s tensile strength. It is something you cannot manufacture on Earth.』
「Steel huh? In a way, it’s an ideal armor material cost-wise.」
Hyoue was convinced. Steel was the most ubiquitous and inexpensive metal. Use of steel was also re-examined back in the 21st century on Earth, and some circles even began to call it a dream material. This was because the use of non-ferrous metals in things like automobiles would result in rapidly hitting a barrier when it comes to cost.
『It’s because there is a limit to weapons implementation in machines employing biomimetics. However, since they do not know what to expect when it comes to the weapons we would be deploying against them, they probably thought that it would be better to apply new technologies in order to strengthen their existing weapons. The Stones should be mainly focusing their improvements on the Murder manufacturing factories they have on hand and are actively remodeling and upgrading them.』
The Development Engineers in attendance nodded in agreement at Asia’s words. When they get their hands on new tech, they would also choose to focus on trying to strengthen existing weapons instead of creating and experimenting with something completely new. As Asia said, there’s also the production line to consider.
『I’ve also opened up access to the orbital elevator. I’d also like to say that I’ve unlocked access to new technology for our side as well, but…… perhaps I might have set my sights a bit to high. So, there actually aren’t that many new technologies I can grant access to you all right now. I’m sorry……』
「Asia, it’s thanks to your efforts that we’ve managed to gather together now. So, there’s really no need to apologize.」
They could feel the frustration in Asia’s tone.
Hence, everyone nodded at Kou’s words. After all, thanks to the technology Asia and Metal Iris made available previously, each of their weapons development projects advanced by leaps and bounds. In fact, they all felt that they haven’t managed to fully take advantage of the technology.
『Even so, it is still unfortunate. Therefore, I would like to grant access to as much technology as possible in order to counter the Aberration Arms.』
Everyone present let out collective gasps of surprise and anticipation.
「That means……?」
『I will also release the restrictions in technology regarding ferrous and non-ferrous metals. ‘ I will also release technology regarding large-sized heavy-duty power packs and the miniaturization of various engines. The technology I will release will almost be at the standard of the Interplanetary War era. Development Engineers will be able to tinker with and modify the internals of large-sized heavy-duty power packs. You will be able to slap one huge reactor or stack two smaller reactors inside them and so on. The other stuff will focus on the finer details.』
「What were you moping about earlier, Asia? From what you said, haven’t you increased our development authority to the point that we all might start losing sleep trying to figure out all sorts of new stuff?」
「Reactors and power packs have always been akin to standardized and untouchable items. We’ll be able to make good use of the new tech even for stuff like tanks. This will usher in another technological revolution!」
Kelly smiled wryly in response while Yunlan gushed excitedly. Of course, they would be giddy. Just how many more possibilities would open up simply by being allowed to slap two reactors inside machines? Those present couldn’t even imagine the full extent of new stuff they could do with this technology at their fingertips.
Abel…… was already murmuring unintelligibly. It seemed that new ideas were popping into his head already. With just a few words by Asia, the Development Engineers were already leaning toward a multitude of new projects and weapon designs.
「I actually wanted to downsize the power pack itself, but I suppose that’s asking for too much.」
「It’s already more than small enough! Rather than downsizing, having access to even more power storage and output in such a compact form is more up my alley!」
The Development Engineers present were having lively discussions as they checked out the new technology provided by Asia.
『But there’s a problem. Even if we suddenly grant access to such technologies, the current production lines would still be limited in capacity, and it would be better to focus on customizing our current weapons instead if things remained as they are. And so, Kou. If you please.』
「Are we really going ahead with “that”?」
『Mm.』
The related parties have already discussed and decided on the matter previously. And so, Kou made up his mind and opened his mouth to make an announcement.
「First of all, let me make an announcement. This matter was approved by all the A-class Development Engineers of Ulysses. BAS and Gogyou Heavy Industries have both been authorized to manufacture and purchase metallic hydrogen reactors. They are also allowed to procure other related technologies. As long as you are a member of Ulysses, there will no longer be a difference in access rights between A-class and B-class Development Engineers.」
「What?! T-Thank you so much, everyone!」
「Thank you! Thank you, all!」
Those from BAS and Gogyou Heavy Industries were surprised after hearing Kou’s announcement and expressed their gratitude immediately afterward.
「You did not hesitate to throw your lot in with us at the first chance you got after all. Doing this much is only a matter, of course.」
Kelly and the others were truly grateful that these two companies who were among the most powerful and influential B-class-led companies decided to join Ulysses. Hence, there were no objections from any of the A-class Development Engineers regarding the decision to give them equal access rights.
「All companies that join Ulysses from here on out will be treated the same way as the companies led by A-class Development Engineers. Right now, the most notable benefit is access rights to metallic hydrogen reactor tech.」
The reason why metallic hydrogen reactor technology was previously limited to only A-class Development Engineers was the risk of the technology getting leaked to the Stones.
Now that both sides were already engaged in open conflict, there was no longer any reason for such restrictions. Hence, the current decision was reached after discussions with Asia and Astraea.
「Now then, let’s get down to our main topic for tonight.」
Kou resolved himself and stood up.
「It’s a request that has something to do with countering the Aberration Arms. Everyone, please……」
「That’s no good, Kou. Start over will you?」
Kelly mercilessly berated Kou’s overly humble tone without hesitation.
「Eh?」
「It’s fine to use a more commanding and authoritative tone with us, you know? Just say what’s on your mind and give us orders. It doesn’t have to be a request. No one present here would take it against you if you gave us orders, Kou.」
「……I understand.」
Kou hemmed and hawed for a bit more, and then started to speak again.
「Attention, all Ulysses Development Engineers! In order to counter the Aberration Arms, we will now execute the Anti-Aberration Arms Wartime Development operation!」
「Okay, Big Boss! Understood!」
Each Development Engineer present nodded in response, and the wartime development order was accepted.
The meeting finally reached its end and was adjourned. However, many of the attendees were still engaged in lively discussions.
It was not uncommon for various ideas to emerge from such exchanges between Development Engineers.
New weapons were already in the beginning phases of being developed. It would be too late if they waited until the war started again after all.
They would have to consider various factors such as the changes in potential enemy machines they would face, the introduction of new combat doctrines, and a shortage of available resources. There were many instances of weapons being designed practically overnight by geniuses all throughout history.
The introduction of Aberration Arms to the battlefield was an unpredictable and significant threat.
There were also those new weapons that applied the new technology gained by the Stones. The Argoforce Sniper Unit’s Khameleons made use of such weapons and systems in their arsenal.
One of the screens that was deactivated earlier lit up once more. It was Matt.
「A report just came in from the Pericles. The evacuation of Mr. Kinukawa and the Misumaru Heavy Industry employees from the Pyrochlore continent will be completed by tomorrow. They would like to return to Fortress Area P336 afterward if possible, but it seems that would be quite difficult at present. They will act according to how the situation develops.」
「Kinukawa-san? Has the situation on the Pyrochlore continent gotten that bad already?」
Kou, who wasn’t that up to date with the situation on the other continents, worriedly inquired. A fierce battle was currently taking place on the Pyrochlore continent.
「It seems that the Aberration Arms have been introduced to both the Sphene and Pyrochlore continents. The situation is honestly not that promising. Ulysses has already begun supplying weapons and equipment to the resistance groups fighting in both continents.」
「So, things have already progressed that far.」
「It’s basically a mad scramble for resources and Fortress Areas. The fighting will only increase in intensity from here on out.」
Matt displayed a bitter grin. It looked like the situation was worse than Kou had imagined.
「Asia, I have one request. We have nothing to lose anyway.」
『What is it, Matt?』
「I was wondering if it’s possible to strengthen the Quattro Silhouettes.」
Kou also turned toward Asia. The Quattro Silhouettes were indeed high-performance machines, but they were still not as good as the newly fielded Aberration Arms.
The current proliferation of Silhouettes capable of transforming into fighter planes was also quite disadvantageous to the ground-only Quattros.
『I’m sorry. They were realized mostly due to the help of Prometheus so even I am not able to help you much when it comes to the Quattros. Their creation itself is nothing short of a miracle already.』
「I do get that. I’m sorry, Asia. It looks like I asked for something unreasonable.」
Until the advent of Quattros, Therianthropes couldn’t even pilot Silhouettes. Allowing them to play an even greater role in battle through the Quattros was indeed quite a miracle already.
『But you know, there are still plenty of possible forms you can derive from the basic concept. So, don’t be so quick to throw in the towel.』
A young man’s voice suddenly echoed out.
「Prometheus!」
『Kou’s friends are also my friends. There isn’t a specific rule that limits an MCS to the centaur form. Though it’s indeed true that the MCS is normally limited to only making use of mammalian forms.』
『Prometheus, you made an appearance after all.』
『Well, of course. Those Aberration Arms treat humans as nothing but parts. Even I have a thing or two to say about those.』
「Thank you, Prometheus!」
Matt was thankful to Prometheus for giving him a valuable hint.
『I won’t tell you what you can do specifically, but I will tell you what you can’t instead. First of all, making a Lamia-type is impossible. Their lower body is that of a snake after all. A Satyros-type is also a no-go. There’s basically no difference between goat legs and horse legs function-wise after all.』
「Understood.」
『We are all basically based on mythological figures. The ancient folklore and myths of Earth may hold hints to the possibilities inherent in the MCS.』
「Allow me to thank you as well, Prometheus. However, I have questions regarding the MCS. Specifically, the Flame of Prometheus you installed in them. The Spirit Link limiter–……」
『Oops, it looks like my time’s up! Sayonara!』
「Wait! Prometheus!」
Prometheus quickly cut off the conversation and dropped communication.
『He ran away.』
「Yeah, it looks like he did.」
Kou and Asia sighed.
「Legends on Earth about mammalian mythological creatures huh? Got it.」
To unearth more possibilities, Matt resolved to begin researching all sorts of mammals, mythological or otherwise.
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