Scope Expansion Technology Based on the Biological Phylogenetic Tree
「Humans as parts huh? Is that really possible?」
Barry nervously inquired.
『Originally, such a thing is impossible. The Fennel OS is originally limited to a humanoid host when performing complex processes. It’s so particular with retaining its host’s human form that it doesn’t even allow the installation of internal weapons. The Quattro Silhouettes are like secret functions that were found by Kou through thinking from the perspective of the Therianthropes.』
「Does that mean something that’s supposed to be impossible is now actually possible?」
『There are only a limited number of entities that can intervene in the OS that was developed by Prometheus. The one who made this possible is probably Libya who was captured by the Stones. She most likely provided the scope expansion technology that makes use of the biological lineage tree.』
「Libya has……」
It was a situation they’d rather not consider.
After all, it can be surmised that a Super AI that has been protecting a planet has now submitted to the Stones.
『Libya has fallen…… I really do not want to consider such a thing. But……』
「So we couldn’t make it in time.」
Kou involuntarily covered his face with one hand. He had planned on going over to Planet Libya once things in Asia have been settled. He wanted to come to the AI’s rescue.
『We still can’t conclude that it’s too late. After all, with Libya’s processing power, there’s no way she’ll only be able to come up with a weapon of this level.』
Asia asserted with conviction.
『I’m not sure about what Libya’s true intentions are, but it’s highly likely that the Stones have ordered her to develop various weapons, including new Murder models.』
「Then, are the humans of Planet Libya already in a desperate situation?」
Kou muttered a question that crossed his mind.
『I’m not sure…… Assuming the worst, it’s likely that they’ve been used as parts of the Aberration Arms. Conversely, they should be under very heavy surveillance in the best-case scenario.』
「This is the worst possible situation. It would be great if we can somehow rescue Libya in order to turn things around.」
Kou’s conviction to come to Planet Libya has been strengthened. He didn’t think he would be able to accomplish much with only his own strength, but if he can rescue Libya, then the situation might turn for the better.
However, right now, they had to focus on surviving first. Kou told himself to pay attention to the situation in front of him first.
『Considering the worst-case scenario, I’ll give you all a warning. It’s highly likely that the weapons development capabilities of the enemy are a lot more sophisticated and advanced than the technology currently available to Ulysses. However, judging from the performance of the Aberration Arms, it looks like various restrictions are still in place. That enemy battleship’s main guns make use of existing technology.』
「You’re referring to those homing cannon shells, right?」
『It’s a combination of electromagnetic acceleration turrets and 152 mm ramjet cannon shells. These shells are capable of limited target homing through rocket assist. But since they ultimately aren’t missiles, their homing capabilities are minimal. It’s like a mobile weapon capable of both direct and indirect fire.』
It was a shell classified as an auxiliary propulsion type and employed existing technology. It was fired in a similar manner to railgun shells but also utilized auxiliary rockets to improve its effectiveness.
If the enemy had full access to Libya’s technology, then they would have employed weapons that far surpassed what was currently available to Metal Iris and Ulysses.
「I never thought they’d be able to employ MCS in order to operate such strange weapons.」
『We planetary maintenance AIs have different specializations. Europa’s specialization is heavy industries. Mine is maintaining the natural environment. Libya is good at managing ecosystems. The technology used on the Aberration Arms was based on her specialization. Libya seems to have put all of her efforts into making the MCS, that’s originally only useable by humanoids, work with other biological species in the ecosystem.』
For the first time, humans have heard of the Super AI’s specializations.
『Libya is certainly well suited to improving Murders. Those new ones have greatly improved armor composition. Hence, the Aberration Arms might have higher overall performance than the Quattro Silhouettes.』
「But the Quattro Silhouettes seem to be performing better though.」
『Indeed. That’s due to the presence of a person’s will.』
「You said those things used humans as parts. Can you explain that a bit more? I’m sure everyone wants to know the details as well.」
『It looks like I can’t avoid talking about that after all. To put it simply, the humans are stripped of their wills and their bodies completely rely on the Fennel OS for continued bioactivity. In other words, they are like captive parts that are used in order to force the Fennel OS to move. The more weirdly shaped the Aberrant Arms are, the more unnecessary parts such as the limbs and brain are removed from the human components. They are all cut off from their bodies. Therefore, they can no longer be saved.』
「Unnecessary parts huh……?」
『During the initial invasion, the Stones treated unwanted humans as organic fertilizer. This is one of the reasons why they and I are utterly incompatible.』
「That’s only natural. They are humanity’s enemies after all. We have no choice but to eradicate every single one of them.」
Jenny muttered in disgust.
『There were traces left in the MCS of that captured machine. In addition to insects, there were also traces of imitating bird and reptile species in the phylogenetic tree. Crocodiles are archosaurs. They are at the top of the food chain among aquatic organisms.』
「So aren’t they a lot more troublesome than Murders?」
『I’m still not sure about how much of the phylogenetic tree diagram has been employed to develop new weapon systems, but since a reptile-type has appeared, it appears that the Stones are making some headway in this direction.』
「Dammit. One after another……」
Robert seemed to have gotten fed up. He more or less displayed the state of everyone’s thoughts.
『Truly. I don’t know what other types of Aberration Arms will appear in the future. The number of enemy forces is staggering enough, but now, their quality has also improved. As long as the human part’s thoughts are restricted, it’s possible that the machine’s performance might further increase.』
「Right. Just how should we take one multi-legged tanks? After busting out a space battleship, they even employed these kinds of weapons.」
Barry let out a sigh.
He was also fed up with the number of cards in the enemy’s hands.
Asia cut off the transmission.
Now, the only Asia remaining was the one next to Kou. She was being looked after by an anxious Kou and Astraea.
『Libya…… Don’t tell me you actually used the entire sauropod tree in order to make weapons.』
All they could do at the moment was pray that their worst fears didn’t come true.
「This is Fuyuki. We’re currently in the middle of building a defensive siege formation around Fortress Area P336. It looks like we need to buy some time until the formation is completed.」
Fuyuki sent a transmission.
「Give me a status report.」
「I’ll explain the situation around the P336. First, a unit of crocodile-shaped Aberration Arms is coming in from the coast in the 9 o’clock direction through a shallow water route.」
「Those multi-legged tanks huh?」
「We have complete control over the surrounding sea area. Invading from the shallow water areas was a blind spot. Murders wouldn’t be able to do such a thing after all. We’ll probably be able to deal with them better once they come up on land though.」
Fuyuki calmly explained the situation. After all, he wouldn’t be able to serve as a combat engineer if he was flustered by the current situation.
「We’ve also confirmed many large enemy transport ships coming in from the 2 and 3 o’clock direction. They probably prepared countermeasures against bombardment from the railway cannon as well.」
Fuyuki displayed a map diagram of the area as he reported to Barry.
「Next, a large number of armored tank units are advancing from the 4 and 6 o’clock direction. It seems they’ve sortied out from the surrounding Defense Domes. Space battleships are also advancing from the 7 and 8 o’clock directions.」
「They’re gradually tightening the encirclement huh?」
「Yes. An aircraft carrier has also been confirmed in the 10 o’clock direction. It doesn’t seem to be a spaceship, but it’s probably a newly built ship using a Defense Dome-class A-Carbuncle. Since it’s taken an appropriate distance from us, we’re unable to intercept it. It seems to be advancing together with the tank units.」
「So the only safe route is from 0 to 1 o’clock huh? It’s the line between P336 and the Silhouette Base.」
「Actually, no. Currently, that’s where the battles are fiercest.」
「What?」
Even Barry hadn’t expected such a thing.
The supply line connecting Fortress Area P336 and the Silhouette Base. A majority of the supply route was underground, but the defense units and facilities were located aboveground.
「The enemy has deployed sniper units in that area. Nearly 100 regular Silhouettes, Quattro Silhouettes and recon helicopters have taken damage. They are probably buying time until their main forces arrive, but since our lifeline is getting pressured, the situation is quite critical.」
「A small number of sniper units huh?!」
They were able to adequately handle aerial assaults. That’s because the area north of P336 was a thick forest and mountain range.
However, sniping attacks were a different story. A small number of snipers would be sufficient to neutralize forces that were entrenched in the forest.
「How many sniper machines are over there?」
「Just several. Their aim should be to temporarily neutralize the toughest defense net for a time. The they’d just wait for the arrival of their ground forces and proceed to search for the Silhouette Base’s position.」
Currently, the location of the Silhouette Base was still kept a secret from the enemy.
They had only been using sea routes after all, so this was only natural.
「How long can you guys hold the line, Fuyuki? The Cimon still can’t make a move for the time being.」
「Combat has already erupted along the coastline. At best, we can probably hold on for two days. Beyond that, I’m not too sure.」
「Two days……」
Barry pondered in silence.
「They need to successfully conduct a siege in order to make effective use of the reinforcements. As long as we weather through that siege, I believe we’d be able to force things into a drawn-out conflict. It’s not possible for them to resupply all of their troops while conducting the encirclement. They should be focusing on gathering their troops as fast as possible.」
Barry was surprised by Fuyuki’s calm analysis of the situation.
The enemy forces tended to often make use of their superior numbers in order to overwhelm their opponents, but unlike the unmanned Murders, most of their troops this time around were using conventional weapons. Hence, they also needed to rest and resupply.
「The Aristides and Pericles have withdrawn to the nearby sea area. It looks like defending really is difficult without the Astraea and Cimon.」
「Fortunately, some transferee companies came forward and offered to provide reinforcements. If things go well, they’d be able to serve as our reserve troops. It’s too early for us to think of throwing the towel.」
「I see. That’s good news. But there are only a few of them, right?」
「It’s better than nothing, right? Well then, I’ll go ahead and plan out our defense strategy.」
「Go ahead. I’m counting on you, Fuyuki.」
「I’m more suited to work in the front lines though. But you’re similar to me and you’re actually serving as our main commander. I at least have to do this much.」
After displaying a wide grin, Fuyuki cut off the transmission.
After being reassured by his reliable ally, Barry sank back into the commander’s chair. Right now, he had to concentrate on keeping the Cimon safe.
Meanwhile, Fuyuki, who had just cut off his transmission, checked the strength of the troops available to him.
「The Wangcheng Industrial Group’s tank unit was quick in reorganizing themselves after suffering from the space battleship’s attack. It looks like their new tank model, the Menghu (Fierce Tiger), wasn’t just for show. I can rely on them for vanguard duty.」
The strength of their allied forces was actually quite reliable.
Many mercenaries have also participated in the war, and above all, the number of Quattro Silhouettes that were deployed in battle was quite considerable. Even a work-type Quattro was better than your average Bear if it was armed with weapons.
「Planning a defensive strategy instead of an offensive one suits me more. I’ll have to make effective use of our limited resources and manpower.」
Fuyuki quickly formulated a defense plan and assigned each squad to their roles.
「The problem is the sniper unit in the 1 o’clock direction. At worst, I guess I’d have to head out personally.」
A sniper squad that took full advantage of the forest terrain. They weren’t able to come out and shoot without a care, but as long as they kept suppressing the area, their allies would have an easier time deploying.
They were currently the ones that posed the biggest problem at the moment.
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