Planet Classification ‘Iron Planet’ Part 1
「Aural, how many humans have survived?」
「The total number of humans under our protection is estimated to be less than a million. They are distributed across several locations: A former Fortress Area—our current location—and two other locations within old Defense Domes.」
「So few remain?」
「The Mythology Weapons belonging to Eidolon and Teras factions must have also secured some humans. However, their treatment of them is unknown.」
「I see…」
Libya’s expression darkened.
「Planet Libya is the most brutal battlefield in the Nemesis Warfront. It cannot be entirely blamed on you, Libya-sama.」
「The most brutal battlefield?」
Kou was unfamiliar with Planet Libya. It had only been two years since his transfer, and he still didn’t fully understand even Planet Asia. He leaned closer to Asia and asked in a low voice.
「Planet Libya is an Earth-type planet. A kind of rocky planet, but among the three human-inhabited planets, Libya has the strongest characteristics of an iron planet. Its mantle consists of 30% silicate compounds, while the remaining 70% is metal. It was the most difficult planet to terraform. If you compare it to the Solar System of Earth, its structure is closest to Mercury. Though, it’s nearly twice the size of Earth.」
「It’s a planet with a high metal content?」
「Yes. Sophia crashed other small rocky planetoids and asteroids into it to form a surface and secure an atmosphere and water. But… the nature of the planet itself is a problem…」
Asia hesitated before continuing.
「It has the richest resources of the three planets. The number of immigrants was low, which led to minimal human intervention, because of that, its natural environment became extremely harsh. Libya developed as a super AI specialized in ecosystems to adapt to its extreme conditions. It was the primary battlefield during the Interplanetary War era as well, which didn’t help in making it more hospitable.」
「That sounds rough.」
A resource-rich yet remote planet. A low population made it an easy battleground. It was certainly a brutal place.
「The total population of Planet Libya never surpassed a few hundred million. Before the Stones’ invasion, the three planets had active interactions, so a significant number of people likely managed to escape after the initial defeats. This planet was more focused on explorers—Searchers—rather than mercenaries.」
Libya explained the previous situation.
「There are ruins there as well?」
「In terms of ruins, it rivals Europa. From antique silhouette parts to entire space vessels, massive amounts of wreckage are buried here. Even scavenging parts yields considerable profits. However, after the Interplanetary War era ended, volcanic eruptions buried much of it, and former defense mechanisms turned into natural fortresses, making access difficult. Especially for silhouettes of that era.」
「Most of us—Mythology Weapons—were primarily born from abandoned Antique Silhouettes. In that sense, the resource war is still ongoing.」
Aural spoke a terrifying truth—the conflict over lost ancient weapons had never truly ended.
「A state where factions are fighting over the remains of Antique Silhouettes?」
「That interpretation is correct. Calling them mere wreckage would be an understatement—they are an invaluable resource. I will explain in detail another time. Libya-sama’s miracles have given birth to various new existences. The emergence of the colossal Mythology Weapons followed the same principle.」
「So, they originated from space vessels? No… I won’t question it now. Thanks to that, the Stones were eradicated.」
Although a new problem had arisen, their primary objective had been achieved.
「Yes. We are doing everything we can to ensure humanity’s survival, but without Libya-sama, the planetary environment is at risk of rapid deterioration.」
Libya sighed. The OS that was supposed to only be used on MCSs had unexpectedly transferred to space vessels as well.
「Thank you for protecting humanity. What is it that you desire most?」
「Outis, I am glad you asked. What we desire most… is Libya-sama’s functionality itself. The infrastructure of the Fortress Area remains inoperative, weather control is failing, and even rotational stability may soon be compromised. Before long, humanity—and the planet itself—will face annihilation.」
「Isn’t there a way to evacuate humanity to another planet?」
「That is a complicated issue. We exist under the premise that humanity remains. If they leave, our conflict with the neutral and the enemy Mythology Weapons could move to other planets escalating into another interplanetary war. Seeking a reason for existence, some factions might begin an invasion. None of the Mythology Weapons desire a planet devoid of humans, not even the ones belonging to the Teras faction.」
「The Teras are heavily influenced by their Murder aspects and are allied with the Murders, right? Why would they need humans?」
「The reason is unclear. We suspect they serve as trophies—to affirm their existence.」
「A twisted form of affection…」
「Precisely.」
Kou fell silent for a moment, deep in thought, before finally asking,
「Let me ask you this—if we were to unseal even one of Libya’s sealed main cores across the planet, what would happen?」
「I do not know. However, it would at least prevent the worst possible outcome—the planet’s destruction. However, each of Libya-sama’s main cores is currently guarded by enemy forces or Mythology Weapons not aligned with any faction. We prioritized protecting humans and fell behind in securing them.」
「So, they must be defeated…」
「Exactly. We are unable to reclaim them ourselves. The so-called ‘sealed zones’ are completely inaccessible to us.」
Kou and Matt exchanged glances.
They nodded in agreement.
「Understood. Aural, if we were to bring Libya and attempt to reclaim her main cores, would you be able to provide support?」
「Outis, no one can enter the sealed zones. Not even humans. Only Libya-sama herself might have a chance—but she is now in a Therianthrope body, she cannot pilot a Silhouette. The intention of this transmission was only to present a status report and to make Libya-sama aware of this difficult dilemma.」
「Don’t underestimate me! I am Outis! I hold the authority to enter the sealed zones. And I can arrange for a Silhouette specifically designed for a Therianthrope.」
「What?! But even with two Silhouettes, it would still be…」
「Each of us can bring a companion. That means we can deploy four Silhouettes.」
「Then, I beg of you, Outis. Save this planet. We will do everything we can to assist you.」
「Understood, Aural. My distant friend of this planet—I will be under your care.」
「Friend… The people of this land also call us their friends. Very well, Outis. My friend. We eagerly await your arrival. We promise to provide the utmost support on-site.」
「Yeah.」
With that, the meeting concluded. Planet Asia faced its own struggles, but Planet Libya was on the brink of destruction. And there were allies willing to fight.
There was no reason not to go.
Thus, the Libya Expedition Plan was set into motion.
◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
Regular communication with Aural was established to discuss necessary supplies and what could be procured locally.
After all, this was a space voyage. Most of the Transferees were experts in their own fields, but as expected, no one had experience in space, it was an unprecedented challenge.
To plan for the voyage Kou reunited his companions, the members were those who had participated in the initial transmission with Planet Libya and Jenny and Blue from Metal Iris.
「This is a big endeavor. This time, I want us to carefully plan it together. Matt and I have to go no matter what.」
「You’re saying that after already making the unilateral decision to mount a rescue?」
「Ugh…」
「Fine. In the end, it will be me, Astraea, the one who will take you there, correct?」
「Whoa, not fair, Astraea! Why? It makes more sense for Eunomia to go with Matt as a team. Besides, Kou says it would look unnatural if you disappeared, and I agree.」
「Just have Eirene cosplay as me. Problem solved.」
Astraea had already come up with a perfectly reasonable solution.
「Wha—?! Why am I suddenly catching strays here?!」
「Do you have a problem cosplaying as me?」
「I mean… cosplaying as my sister is kind of…」
「Fufu.」
「 I’ll do it! Nee-san is super beautiful anyway! Our facial features are practically the same! I’ll nail being Astraea!」
Feeling Astraea’s overwhelming pressure, Eirene quickly surrendered.
「Eirene, you do realize that’s basically calling yourself super beautiful, right?」
Asia, expressionless, delivered a sharp remark.
「Anyway, this is the Libya Expedition. It’s our first interstellar voyage, so we won’t be staying for too long.」
「I’m against it, though.」
Jenny finally spoke up.
「It’s natural for there to be opposition. If we sense danger, we’ll retreat immediately. In that case, my apologies, Libya.」
「Of course. I cannot allow Outis to be lost on my behalf.」
「That’s the right mindset. Then make sure we establish a proper cooperation framework before acting.」
「Understood.」
This expedition was filled with risks. That’s why Kou spoke openly to everyone—no secrets.
「We plan to explain everything to Ulysses and Metal Iris as well. Don’t worry, I’m not doing this for free. You can think of this as a business opportunity.」
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