Mythology Weapons Integrated in the Region
「Enemy retreat confirmed. We have successfully secured the surrounding area.」
Astraea announced.
「This is where the real challenge begins.」
Kou muttered.
「Indeed,」 Asia responded. 「We need to start recruiting people who will relocate to Realm. The protective shelter won’t be restored immediately, but with the A-Carbuncle of the destroyed Hydra, the city’s production functions can be revived. Without a doubt, the situation has improved.」
「The Eidolons turned out not to be our enemies after all.」
Kou remarked.
「That’s not entirely true, Kou.」 Asia corrected him. 「It’s possible that only the feline- and canine-based Eidolons are friendly toward humans. Their core concept seems to be based on wild instincts.」
「So, bears and foxes wouldn’t be the same?」
「There are different kinds of bears and foxes. If that’s the case, then tiger- and lion-type Eidolons could also be dangerous. However, if we can establish contact with them using the Familas, we might be able to avoid hostility.」
「I see.」
If they resembled animals in appearance, their behavioral patterns might also follow animal instincts. Fortunately, the Eidolons were AIs too, making them smart enough to communicate with them through their own language using the Familias. The possibility of communication offered some hope for coexistence.
「My cores on Planet Asia have already begun manufacturing Familias to be sent to this planet.」
「Thanks, Asia.」
「Make sure to thank Aimer instead. I can act freely because she has allowed me to use her body until we return to the Astraea.」
「Got it. Thank you, you two. You are always helping me.」
Asia gave a small, embarrassed smile.
「I’d like to maintain friendly relations with the Eidolons that aided us.」
「Yeah, same here.」
「Do you have any ideas? We can’t exactly put bells or collars on them.」
「Huh? Isn’t that actually a great idea?」
「…What?」
Kou turned around to look at Asia, meeting her gaze. Then, the two of them burst into laughter.
◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
Kou and Asia returned to base and rejoined the combat command center within the Astraea.
「Well then, I’ll be heading back now, Kou.」
「Thanks, Asia.」
「You’re welcome.」
As those words were spoken, the golden glow in her eyes gradually faded, replaced by deep blue—a sign that Aimer’s consciousness had returned.
「Good work, Aimer.」
「No need to thank me. Traveling with you, Asia, and Master, the four of us together—it was a lot of fun.」
She smiled brightly as she said it. It was rare to see Aimer express such a genuine, carefree smile. Kou couldn’t help but smile back.
「I see. That’s good to hear. I’m sure we’ll have another journey together someday.」
「Yeah, I’m looking forward to it.」
Kou gently placed his hand on Aimer’s head, giving her a light pat. She narrowed her eyes happily, allowing herself to be spoiled by the gesture.
Then, she lifted her head and turned toward the monitor.
「Astraea, sorry for everything. I’ll sit through your lecture later, I promise.」
「So, you do acknowledge that you deserve a lecture. Be prepared.」
Astraea’s voice was as composed as ever, yet there was a distinct chill behind her words.
Even Aki and Nyanta involuntarily shuddered at the ominous undertone.
Kou knew that after manufacturing Arthur’s Marmiadoise, a proper discussion was inevitable. Astraea’s stern attitude was well within his expectations.
「Let’s talk about our next course of action. Our top priority is restoring urban functionality using the defeated Tera’s A-Carbuncle. That includes treating the wounded and evacuating personnel. After that, we need to recruit volunteers willing to relocate to Realm in Etna. There are also two things the Astraea needs to prioritize.」
「Matt and Libya will handle the evacuation and recruitment for Realm. Are you referring to the need for factory functions?」
「Exactly. First, we need to complete tasks that can only be done here. We’ll manufacture collars embedded with Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems for the Cait Sith and Cu Sith, ensuring they can distinguish allies from enemies. We also need to provide repairs for damaged units.」
「Understood.」
Astraea, already aware of the need to manage the friendly Eidolons, immediately initiated production.
「Let’s also inform the Eidolons fitted with collars that they’ll have access to metallic hydrogen resupply.」
「So, we’re essentially feeding them.」
「I’d call it refueling, but I suppose ‘feeding’ isn’t entirely inaccurate.」
「We should also explain the purpose and effectiveness of the collars and request their assistance in protecting humanity.」
「Agreed. They’re Mythology Weapons integrated into the region.」
「Like how stray cats are integrated into certain ecosystems?」
Eri couldn’t help but chime in with a remark.
「I suppose that’s one way to put it. We can’t just leave these Mythology Weapons roaming like strays.」
「So, we’re fully treating them like cats now? Got it. I’ll handle the Cu Sith collars on my end.」
The collar-type IFF devices were rapidly mass-produced within the Astraea. These devices were fitted onto the Cu Sith and Cait Sith units. The Cait Sith collars followed the style of Bastet, featuring a red collar with a yellow bell.
While the Cu Sith accepted the collars calmly, some Cait Sith resisted. For those unwilling to comply, the collars were discreetly fastened while they were drinking metallic hydrogen.
「How do you plan to deploy the Kasha and the biplane-type Agathodaimons?」
「The Kasha will cooperate with the Cait Sith, patrolling the surrounding area—or rather, roaming around checking things. As for the Agathodaimons, they will travel back and forth between Realm and this settlement. They’re designed to refuel in Realm when needed.」
「So, no human operators will be necessary? Understood.」
If human operators were required for the Agathodaimons, it would defeat the purpose. Fortunately, this had already been accounted for.
「Anyone who’s free should start gathering the remains of the destroyed Teras. Restored weapons from the Interplanetary War era are valuable resources.」
「I’ve already instructed the Lanius squad to collect the materials necessary for urban restoration. I’ll also order them to retrieve any debris that can be transported as is.」
「Good. It would help if we had technicians capable of sorting the parts… Astraea, can you analyze the components? Here’s the required list.」
Kou transmitted a list compiled in Realm to Astraea.
「I assumed your goal was to restore the Another Level Silhouettes, but that’s not all, is it?」
「Repairing Arthur is one of my main objectives. However, no matter how powerful Arthur is, a single Silhouette isn’t enough to protect the humans on Planet Libya. We also need to repair the damages Aural and his group received and modify the existing Silhouettes on this planet. That’s what this is for.」
「It seems you have a clear vision of the bigger picture.」
Kou wasn’t blinded by the sheer combat prowess of the Another Level Silhouettes. Instead, he placed his focus on Libya’s Silhouettes and the Kryptos, ensuring a sustainable defense strategy.
「I wasn’t just idly playing around. First, we’ll use the A-Carbuncle to restore the city’s functions. However, without a protective shelter, we don’t know how long we can maintain this location. Whether Realm is the right place to relocate to—that decision belongs to the people of this planet.」
「Our objective is to support this planet until it can stand on its own. I fully agree with your approach.」
「Thanks, Astraea. Honestly, I’d like to take a breather, but there’s still something we need to discuss first. Let’s meet in Unit 5’s MCS—just the three of us: you, Asia, and me.」
「When you’re too reasonable, it actually makes me worry, Kou.」
For once, Astraea closed her eyes and smiled—a rare expression from her. It seemed like Kou had given the right answer.
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