Chapter 115
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Emerging from the Transition Gate in the Hercules Star System were hundreds of 800m-long vanguard units, and eight large straight cylinders that appeared to be work ships about 5,000 meters long and 1,000 meters high.
Half of the vanguard units were attacking Fortress Kerviel, while the other half were approaching the planet Alcaeus. The one ship that showed a Magic Element Engine’s reaction, and the eight cylinders that the Daemon King Theia described as work ships, headed toward the star.
A rough representation of the appearance of the vanguard units is that of a metallic jellyfish.
When Ōizumi’s soldiers regained consciousness, they scrunched up their faces at what they witnessed and, as a conditioned reflex, put their hands on the triggers of their artillery fire. The Daemons did not lend their help, however, and the fighter crafts powered by the magic engine did not operate.
In response, Yúnlán ordered them to wait and see via communication.
“Commander-in-Chief Yúnlán to all forces of Ōizumi. Those who have appeared are allies. Do not interfere with their actions.”
Even Yúnlán, who had given the order, was not convinced that the unknown group was on their side.
All Yúnlán understood was the fact that Mariel, the Daemon Emperor who had contracted with him, collaborated with the Daemon King Theia, who ruled over the area connected by the gate, and had invited the group that Theia had a contract with.
Mariel is an ally of Yúnlán, her contractor. This is because the Spirits and Daemons used by tens of billions of human beings have consistently sided with their contractors, and they have a decent track record.
However, while Mariel is an ally of Yúnlán, the contractor, she is not an ally of humanity as a whole, not even of other Daemons.
After all, Mariel ate the Daemon King Nixe, who was contracted by Ishidor, the leader of Hercules. In addition, she used all but the 5.6 billion people of Ōizumi as a bargaining chip, seeking the cooperation of the Daemon King Theia.
The reason why Yúnlán doesn’t stop this terrifying turn of events is because he knows that Mariel is working for Yúnlán, her contractor.
Yúnlán of Ōizumi has been led by Yuen and Ishidor since the destruction of their home planet.
The people of Ōizumi were thrown out into the harsh environment of the planet Alcaeus. And in the defense of the Hercules Star System, a billion people from Ōizumi and Honyō were used as disposable pawns.
Mariel’s selling out the Herculeans on the planet Alcaeus is very convenient for Ōizumi, which has been reduced to a subordinate position. It can’t be said that it is an act against the allied partner, but it is the other party that lost faith first.
After all, Ōizumi has committed 650 million of its 1 billion fighter crafts to this defensive battle. Of the 6.25 billion survivors, 650 million were lost. Honyō also has 350 million people out of 1.12 billion survivors, and most of them are dead.
Since this was done, Yúnlán thought that even if they retaliated, it would be karmic retribution.
And Mariel, having given Yúnlán a clear explanation, took another action.
『Yúnlán, I’ve received a communication from the other party, so I’ll connect you. The translation between humanity and the five Goetian tribes has been completed with the first contact with Master Theia. Also, since the Goetians are quantum-thinking beings, I have adapted their appearance to that of humans.』
『Okay, connect me.』
Normally he would have complained about not being consulted beforehand, but this was an emergency.
As Yúnlán replied, a woman in a black sailor suit appeared on the communications screen of the Central Command Center. Next to her is a red-haired woman with upturned eyes and a winning look.
Seeing Yúnlán and the Daemon Emperor Mariel beside him, the woman in the sailor suit greeted Yúnlán in a pleasing manner.
[Nice to meet you. My name is Dahlia, a Count-level Thinker of the Gremory tribe, which spans 26,000 light years of the Andromeda Galaxy.]
The total area of humanity’s territory, including the Monarchy and Tenka, is less than 2,000 light-years.
Yúnlán, who could not imagine such a vast territory, returned the greeting calmly, wondering if the other party was trying to show its civilizational superiority.
“It is my pleasure to establish first contact. I am XǔShu YúnlánUn ran, the contractor of the Daemon Emperor Mariel, who created the realm of this star system, and the leader of 5.6 billion people. It seems that Mariel has discussed it with Theia, the Daemon King over there, so I’ll be in your care.”
[With pleasure.]
Yúnlán’s words made Dahlia’s face turn pale.
Yúnlán was suspicious of the quantum thought vessel that had changed its expression, but Mariel altered the other party’s appearance to make it easier for Yúnlán to understand. Interpreting that Mariel would reproduce even the most trivial changes, Yúnlán thought that she might really have turned pale and made the first move.
“The Daemon Emperor Mariel has disposed of the Daemon King who had made a contract with Ishidor, the leader of the Herculeans. Our relationship with Hercules has already broken down. Will you help ensure the safety of the people of Ōizumi?”
[Understood. First of all, I will need the information necessary to fulfill your request.]
When Dahlia heard that the Daemon King had been dealt with, her face turned pale and she kept an eye on the Daemon floating next to her, and received information about the Ōizumi people from Mariel.
Meanwhile, the 360 metal jellyfish-like vessels, each about 800 meters long, approaching the planet Alcaeus, were changing shape, with only one showing the output response of the magic elemental engine.
It spread its tentacles wide behind the direction of travel to form a ring, and as it increased the output reaction of its magic elemental engine, it created an energy reaction within the ring.
Eventually, a light erupted out, and a new metal jellyfish flew out of the ring.
“Has the ship become a Transition Gate!?”
The one that jumped out emitted a new magic reaction immediately after its appearance. Yúnlán was astonished to see the observation results projected on the screen of the Central Command Center.
If a ship with a magic element engine can be used as a Transition Gate, it will be possible to travel anywhere in the galaxy at high speed. Having been shown the technological prowess of a civilization far ahead of humanity, Yúnlán was terrified by the power of the other party.
While Yúnlán was in shock, communication from Dahlia was briefly lost.
When the communication was restored, a woman, this time not Dahlia, appeared on the communication screen.
It was a petite woman in a black dress, with ultramarine hair. Beside her was a shy, brown-haired woman with drooping eyes who appeared to be a Daemon.
[Nice to meet you, Sir Yúnlán. I am Adreana, a Duke-level thinker of Gremory. Dahlia from before has already transferred her consciousness to the pursuit team. I have taken over the correspondence from now on. Thank you for your cooperation.]
“By transfer, you mean sent to a body to pursue Fortress Kerviel?”
[Yes. We transfer the thought vessel to the ship carrying the surrounding miasma generators. You awaken on a different ship every time the command ship is destroyed, though the Daemons will not follow a thinking vessel that has not signed a limited contract.]
Yúnlán was forced to make further upward revisions to the advanced level of the other civilization.
If a quantized body could be placed on each ship and awakened each time it was destroyed, it would not die in battle unless it was obliterated. Moreover, if they leave a backup at home, they can be resurrected even if the fleet they sent is destroyed. In other words, they have long since achieved immortality. Even if the Daemons don’t follow them.
On the other hand, there seems to be a downside to being a quantum thought vessel.
The Daemons are active with the magic and miasma of the Contractor. Gremory and the other tribes cannot provide that, and they are conditioned under a limited contract.
[The Daemon crystal we desire depends on the will of Lady Theia. Therefore, in accordance with Lady Theia’s oracle, we will cooperate with Sir Yúnlán, who is a direct contractor of the Daemon Emperor Mariel.]
“We understand the relationship with each other. We look forward to working with you.”
Having made the power imbalance between the two known, due to the overwhelming technological difference, Adreana sought to establish a cooperative relationship as per Daemon policy. It was not Yúnlán or Gremory who led the situation, but the Daemon Emperor Mariel and the Daemon King Theia.
When Yúnlán expressed his understanding and willingness to agree, Adreana nodded slightly with a solemn expression.
[As the Duke of Gremory, I would like to congratulate you on establishing a relationship between Gremory and Sir Yúnlán. Now, due to the changing situation, we will begin the process of isolating the group led by Sir Yúnlán from the rest of the group for their own safety.]
Shortly after Adreana’s announcement, the shape of the eight work ships heading for the Hercules Star changed.
The eight ships, which had been connected in a circle in space, expanded the size of the circle while stretching long and thin.
Originally a large straight cylinder about 5,000 meters long and 1,000 meters high, it continued to grow in a series of flat lines, resulting in the creation of a giant ring.
The ring remained in the space between the Hercules Star and the planet Alcaeus and was connected to one of the ships exhibiting the output reaction of the magic element engine. As the magic element conversion reaction of the magic element engine became stronger, the inside of the giant ring began to emit a strong light.
“A large number of new objects are appearing inside the giant ring. Eight of them seem to be the same size as the cylinders that came out of the Transition Gate, and a number of 800-meter-class objects are also transferring.”
The report from the Central Command Center made Yúnlán stiffen, but he also had doubts.
(Why didn’t they use the transition gate in the star system that they should have used earlier?)
The power balance resulting from the difference in technology between the Daemons and Gremory is considered superior on the Daemon side. Otherwise, Gremory wouldn’t call the Daemon King Theia by her title, and they wouldn’t obey the decisions of the Daemons.
Then why doesn’t Gremory use the Daemon Transition Gate, which is far superior to theirs?
Was it because they couldn’t spare the miasma to be used, or was the work ship sent from a sector that was not connected to the Transition Gate? Whatever the case may be, he assumed that Gremory was also inadequate.
From Yúnlán’s point of view, however, they have technology that is as close to universal as possible. A part of it was about to be demonstrated by the eight newly appearing work ships.
Half of the eight ships surrounding the planet Alcaeus were stationary in the sky, and the other half began their descent into the atmosphere. Then a flash of light came from one of the stationary work ships in space.
“We have observed what appears to be coherent irradiation of directional electromagnetic waves from the straight cylinder to the ground. It appears that the dwarven planetary defense system has been obliterated.”
After the flash, the anti-space defenses deployed on the planet’s surface have been destroyed, leaving a huge hole in the ground. Numerous weapons are instantly reduced to rubble.
The surface had also been pierced by several large holes, and four ships, or half of the work ships that descended to the ground, had gone through the large holes.
[Sir Yúnlán, please tell the group you are leading not to interfere with us. If they interfere, we may automatically subdue them. It is possible to roughly distinguish between Tenka, the former Coalition, and Hercules, but the distinction between Ōizumi and Honyō is insufficient, and there may be discrepancies in the degree of adjustment.]
Yúnlán nodded and immediately ordered his subordinates.
“General Wěi, order all troops immediately. Have the Communications Department send out emergency messages to the residents. The people of Ōizumi should raise the flag of Ōizumi, temporarily separate themselves from other groups, and not interfere with the actions of the objects that appear.”
The identification information on the Ōizumi people provided by Mariel includes the identification data of the information terminal owned by the Ōizumi people, the registered places of residence, and the information on the spies who had infiltrated Honyō.
It should be possible to roughly identify them, but there are some subjects that are difficult to identify, such as couples and children of Ōizumi and Honyō residents, dual citizens, and families of spies with Honyō nationality. Normally, Yúnlán would have taken this into account, but the speed at which the Gremory was moving was so great that Yúnlán had no time to react.
The four work ships that had not penetrated underground had already reached the above-ground settlements where 5.6 billion Ōizumi people, 770 million Honyō people, and 800 million former Coalition people who remained in Hercules at the time of the defeat of the former Coalition lived.
When a work ship lands on the continent, it instantly spits out three types of objects.
They were metal robots with thick spider-like legs, each about 1 meter in size (small), 10 meters in size (medium), and 100 meters in size (large). The number of spiders was enormous, and so many were ejected that one might suspect that liquid had spilled from the work ship.
Each of the metal spiders that flew out began to take flight and spread at high speed to the active areas of the Ōizumi, Honyō, and former Coalition people.
Among these flying objects, the medium and large ones shone, and the weapon groups and android soldiers that had been overlooked by the work ships remaining above were instantly destroyed or turned into balls of flame.
Without needing to take data, the ground forces and Gremory’s robots are no match at all.
After eliminating the obstacles, the robots broke down the walls and doors of the buildings and entered the interior, and began to seize the Honyō people.
Smaller robots changed shape and entangled themselves with the humans, which were then grabbed and carried away by other smaller robots. Then, like flying creatures that have caught their prey and brought it back to their nest, they grabbed an object and flew back to the work ship.
The robots also carried various objects that existed in the living quarters of the Honyō people. Almost everything, from furniture and clothes, to tools, machines, vehicles, and even the outer walls of buildings, was grabbed and carried away one after another.
It was like a human digging up a nest of ants with a shovel and transferring them into a breeding box.
In this case, the breeding boxes were probably work ships. The Central Command Center’s analysis of the work ships calculated that even the volume of a single ship could hold 40 million large robots, 40 billion medium robots, and 26 trillion small robots simultaneously, yet only about one-tenth of the total interior space would be used.
Eight ships have been deployed, and if they continue to increase in number, about 100 billion people will easily fit inside.
By the time the work-ship landed on the continent, the soil and atmospheric components would have been analyzed, and the ecology would have been studied immediately, so the breeding boxes, designed to house humans, not insects, would soon be ready.
The thought of humans being bred by jellyfish made Yúnlán feel nauseous.
[According to the information we have received from Daemon Emperor Mariel, one of the priority targets, the Herculean leader, Ishidor Azarova, has been captured. Is this individual necessary?]
The instantaneous capture of Ishidor reminded Yúnlán of the difference in the level of technology that separated them.
『If Zeahild, the Daemon King of the Tenka Star System, asked us to close the gate to the Milky Way Galaxy, we would not be able to deal with the Monarchy of Diete and the Spirits. We’ve cut off communication, so let’s just pretend he died in the throes of battle. Just to be on the safe side, I wonder if Gremory will take matters into their own hands. Or should I say ‘tentacles’ in this case?』
At Mariel’s flippant remark, Unran remained expressionless and silent.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Emerging from the Transition Gate in the Hercules Star System were hundreds of 800m-long vanguard units, and eight large straight cylinders that appeared to be work ships about 5,000 meters long and 1,000 meters high.
Half of the vanguard units were attacking Fortress Kerviel, while the other half were approaching the planet Alcaeus. The one ship that showed a Magic Element Engine’s reaction, and the eight cylinders that the Daemon King Theia described as work ships, headed toward the star.
A rough representation of the appearance of the vanguard units is that of a metallic jellyfish.
When Ōizumi’s soldiers regained consciousness, they scrunched up their faces at what they witnessed and, as a conditioned reflex, put their hands on the triggers of their artillery fire. The Daemons did not lend their help, however, and the fighter crafts powered by the magic engine did not operate.
In response, Yúnlán ordered them to wait and see via communication.
“Commander-in-Chief Yúnlán to all forces of Ōizumi. Those who have appeared are allies. Do not interfere with their actions.”
Even Yúnlán, who had given the order, was not convinced that the unknown group was on their side.
All Yúnlán understood was the fact that Mariel, the Daemon Emperor who had contracted with him, collaborated with the Daemon King Theia, who ruled over the area connected by the gate, and had invited the group that Theia had a contract with.
Mariel is an ally of Yúnlán, her contractor. This is because the Spirits and Daemons used by tens of billions of human beings have consistently sided with their contractors, and they have a decent track record.
However, while Mariel is an ally of Yúnlán, the contractor, she is not an ally of humanity as a whole, not even of other Daemons.
After all, Mariel ate the Daemon King Nixe, who was contracted by Ishidor, the leader of Hercules. In addition, she used all but the 5.6 billion people of Ōizumi as a bargaining chip, seeking the cooperation of the Daemon King Theia.
The reason why Yúnlán doesn’t stop this terrifying turn of events is because he knows that Mariel is working for Yúnlán, her contractor.
Yúnlán of Ōizumi has been led by Yuen and Ishidor since the destruction of their home planet.
The people of Ōizumi were thrown out into the harsh environment of the planet Alcaeus. And in the defense of the Hercules Star System, a billion people from Ōizumi and Honyō were used as disposable pawns.
Mariel’s selling out the Herculeans on the planet Alcaeus is very convenient for Ōizumi, which has been reduced to a subordinate position. It can’t be said that it is an act against the allied partner, but it is the other party that lost faith first.
After all, Ōizumi has committed 650 million of its 1 billion fighter crafts to this defensive battle. Of the 6.25 billion survivors, 650 million were lost. Honyō also has 350 million people out of 1.12 billion survivors, and most of them are dead.
Since this was done, Yúnlán thought that even if they retaliated, it would be karmic retribution.
And Mariel, having given Yúnlán a clear explanation, took another action.
『Yúnlán, I’ve received a communication from the other party, so I’ll connect you. The translation between humanity and the five Goetian tribes has been completed with the first contact with Master Theia. Also, since the Goetians are quantum-thinking beings, I have adapted their appearance to that of humans.』
『Okay, connect me.』
Normally he would have complained about not being consulted beforehand, but this was an emergency.
As Yúnlán replied, a woman in a black sailor suit appeared on the communications screen of the Central Command Center. Next to her is a red-haired woman with upturned eyes and a winning look.
Seeing Yúnlán and the Daemon Emperor Mariel beside him, the woman in the sailor suit greeted Yúnlán in a pleasing manner.
[Nice to meet you. My name is Dahlia, a Count-level Thinker of the Gremory tribe, which spans 26,000 light years of the Andromeda Galaxy.]
The total area of humanity’s territory, including the Monarchy and Tenka, is less than 2,000 light-years.
Yúnlán, who could not imagine such a vast territory, returned the greeting calmly, wondering if the other party was trying to show its civilizational superiority.
“It is my pleasure to establish first contact. I am XǔShu YúnlánUn ran, the contractor of the Daemon Emperor Mariel, who created the realm of this star system, and the leader of 5.6 billion people. It seems that Mariel has discussed it with Theia, the Daemon King over there, so I’ll be in your care.”
[With pleasure.]
Yúnlán’s words made Dahlia’s face turn pale.
Yúnlán was suspicious of the quantum thought vessel that had changed its expression, but Mariel altered the other party’s appearance to make it easier for Yúnlán to understand. Interpreting that Mariel would reproduce even the most trivial changes, Yúnlán thought that she might really have turned pale and made the first move.
“The Daemon Emperor Mariel has disposed of the Daemon King who had made a contract with Ishidor, the leader of the Herculeans. Our relationship with Hercules has already broken down. Will you help ensure the safety of the people of Ōizumi?”
[Understood. First of all, I will need the information necessary to fulfill your request.]
When Dahlia heard that the Daemon King had been dealt with, her face turned pale and she kept an eye on the Daemon floating next to her, and received information about the Ōizumi people from Mariel.
Meanwhile, the 360 metal jellyfish-like vessels, each about 800 meters long, approaching the planet Alcaeus, were changing shape, with only one showing the output response of the magic elemental engine.
It spread its tentacles wide behind the direction of travel to form a ring, and as it increased the output reaction of its magic elemental engine, it created an energy reaction within the ring.
Eventually, a light erupted out, and a new metal jellyfish flew out of the ring.
“Has the ship become a Transition Gate!?”
The one that jumped out emitted a new magic reaction immediately after its appearance. Yúnlán was astonished to see the observation results projected on the screen of the Central Command Center.
If a ship with a magic element engine can be used as a Transition Gate, it will be possible to travel anywhere in the galaxy at high speed. Having been shown the technological prowess of a civilization far ahead of humanity, Yúnlán was terrified by the power of the other party.
While Yúnlán was in shock, communication from Dahlia was briefly lost.
When the communication was restored, a woman, this time not Dahlia, appeared on the communication screen.
It was a petite woman in a black dress, with ultramarine hair. Beside her was a shy, brown-haired woman with drooping eyes who appeared to be a Daemon.
[Nice to meet you, Sir Yúnlán. I am Adreana, a Duke-level thinker of Gremory. Dahlia from before has already transferred her consciousness to the pursuit team. I have taken over the correspondence from now on. Thank you for your cooperation.]
“By transfer, you mean sent to a body to pursue Fortress Kerviel?”
[Yes. We transfer the thought vessel to the ship carrying the surrounding miasma generators. You awaken on a different ship every time the command ship is destroyed, though the Daemons will not follow a thinking vessel that has not signed a limited contract.]
Yúnlán was forced to make further upward revisions to the advanced level of the other civilization.
If a quantized body could be placed on each ship and awakened each time it was destroyed, it would not die in battle unless it was obliterated. Moreover, if they leave a backup at home, they can be resurrected even if the fleet they sent is destroyed. In other words, they have long since achieved immortality. Even if the Daemons don’t follow them.
On the other hand, there seems to be a downside to being a quantum thought vessel.
The Daemons are active with the magic and miasma of the Contractor. Gremory and the other tribes cannot provide that, and they are conditioned under a limited contract.
[The Daemon crystal we desire depends on the will of Lady Theia. Therefore, in accordance with Lady Theia’s oracle, we will cooperate with Sir Yúnlán, who is a direct contractor of the Daemon Emperor Mariel.]
“We understand the relationship with each other. We look forward to working with you.”
Having made the power imbalance between the two known, due to the overwhelming technological difference, Adreana sought to establish a cooperative relationship as per Daemon policy. It was not Yúnlán or Gremory who led the situation, but the Daemon Emperor Mariel and the Daemon King Theia.
When Yúnlán expressed his understanding and willingness to agree, Adreana nodded slightly with a solemn expression.
[As the Duke of Gremory, I would like to congratulate you on establishing a relationship between Gremory and Sir Yúnlán. Now, due to the changing situation, we will begin the process of isolating the group led by Sir Yúnlán from the rest of the group for their own safety.]
Shortly after Adreana’s announcement, the shape of the eight work ships heading for the Hercules Star changed.
The eight ships, which had been connected in a circle in space, expanded the size of the circle while stretching long and thin.
Originally a large straight cylinder about 5,000 meters long and 1,000 meters high, it continued to grow in a series of flat lines, resulting in the creation of a giant ring.
The ring remained in the space between the Hercules Star and the planet Alcaeus and was connected to one of the ships exhibiting the output reaction of the magic element engine. As the magic element conversion reaction of the magic element engine became stronger, the inside of the giant ring began to emit a strong light.
“A large number of new objects are appearing inside the giant ring. Eight of them seem to be the same size as the cylinders that came out of the Transition Gate, and a number of 800-meter-class objects are also transferring.”
The report from the Central Command Center made Yúnlán stiffen, but he also had doubts.
(Why didn’t they use the transition gate in the star system that they should have used earlier?)
The power balance resulting from the difference in technology between the Daemons and Gremory is considered superior on the Daemon side. Otherwise, Gremory wouldn’t call the Daemon King Theia by her title, and they wouldn’t obey the decisions of the Daemons.
Then why doesn’t Gremory use the Daemon Transition Gate, which is far superior to theirs?
Was it because they couldn’t spare the miasma to be used, or was the work ship sent from a sector that was not connected to the Transition Gate? Whatever the case may be, he assumed that Gremory was also inadequate.
From Yúnlán’s point of view, however, they have technology that is as close to universal as possible. A part of it was about to be demonstrated by the eight newly appearing work ships.
Half of the eight ships surrounding the planet Alcaeus were stationary in the sky, and the other half began their descent into the atmosphere. Then a flash of light came from one of the stationary work ships in space.
“We have observed what appears to be coherent irradiation of directional electromagnetic waves from the straight cylinder to the ground. It appears that the dwarven planetary defense system has been obliterated.”
After the flash, the anti-space defenses deployed on the planet’s surface have been destroyed, leaving a huge hole in the ground. Numerous weapons are instantly reduced to rubble.
The surface had also been pierced by several large holes, and four ships, or half of the work ships that descended to the ground, had gone through the large holes.
[Sir Yúnlán, please tell the group you are leading not to interfere with us. If they interfere, we may automatically subdue them. It is possible to roughly distinguish between Tenka, the former Coalition, and Hercules, but the distinction between Ōizumi and Honyō is insufficient, and there may be discrepancies in the degree of adjustment.]
Yúnlán nodded and immediately ordered his subordinates.
“General Wěi, order all troops immediately. Have the Communications Department send out emergency messages to the residents. The people of Ōizumi should raise the flag of Ōizumi, temporarily separate themselves from other groups, and not interfere with the actions of the objects that appear.”
The identification information on the Ōizumi people provided by Mariel includes the identification data of the information terminal owned by the Ōizumi people, the registered places of residence, and the information on the spies who had infiltrated Honyō.
It should be possible to roughly identify them, but there are some subjects that are difficult to identify, such as couples and children of Ōizumi and Honyō residents, dual citizens, and families of spies with Honyō nationality. Normally, Yúnlán would have taken this into account, but the speed at which the Gremory was moving was so great that Yúnlán had no time to react.
The four work ships that had not penetrated underground had already reached the above-ground settlements where 5.6 billion Ōizumi people, 770 million Honyō people, and 800 million former Coalition people who remained in Hercules at the time of the defeat of the former Coalition lived.
When a work ship lands on the continent, it instantly spits out three types of objects.
They were metal robots with thick spider-like legs, each about 1 meter in size (small), 10 meters in size (medium), and 100 meters in size (large). The number of spiders was enormous, and so many were ejected that one might suspect that liquid had spilled from the work ship.
Each of the metal spiders that flew out began to take flight and spread at high speed to the active areas of the Ōizumi, Honyō, and former Coalition people.
Among these flying objects, the medium and large ones shone, and the weapon groups and android soldiers that had been overlooked by the work ships remaining above were instantly destroyed or turned into balls of flame.
Without needing to take data, the ground forces and Gremory’s robots are no match at all.
After eliminating the obstacles, the robots broke down the walls and doors of the buildings and entered the interior, and began to seize the Honyō people.
Smaller robots changed shape and entangled themselves with the humans, which were then grabbed and carried away by other smaller robots. Then, like flying creatures that have caught their prey and brought it back to their nest, they grabbed an object and flew back to the work ship.
The robots also carried various objects that existed in the living quarters of the Honyō people. Almost everything, from furniture and clothes, to tools, machines, vehicles, and even the outer walls of buildings, was grabbed and carried away one after another.
It was like a human digging up a nest of ants with a shovel and transferring them into a breeding box.
In this case, the breeding boxes were probably work ships. The Central Command Center’s analysis of the work ships calculated that even the volume of a single ship could hold 40 million large robots, 40 billion medium robots, and 26 trillion small robots simultaneously, yet only about one-tenth of the total interior space would be used.
Eight ships have been deployed, and if they continue to increase in number, about 100 billion people will easily fit inside.
By the time the work-ship landed on the continent, the soil and atmospheric components would have been analyzed, and the ecology would have been studied immediately, so the breeding boxes, designed to house humans, not insects, would soon be ready.
The thought of humans being bred by jellyfish made Yúnlán feel nauseous.
[According to the information we have received from Daemon Emperor Mariel, one of the priority targets, the Herculean leader, Ishidor Azarova, has been captured. Is this individual necessary?]
The instantaneous capture of Ishidor reminded Yúnlán of the difference in the level of technology that separated them.
『If Zeahild, the Daemon King of the Tenka Star System, asked us to close the gate to the Milky Way Galaxy, we would not be able to deal with the Monarchy of Diete and the Spirits. We’ve cut off communication, so let’s just pretend he died in the throes of battle. Just to be on the safe side, I wonder if Gremory will take matters into their own hands. Or should I say ‘tentacles’ in this case?』
At Mariel’s flippant remark, Unran remained expressionless and silent.
Emerging from the Transition Gate in the Hercules Star System were hundreds of 800m-long vanguard units, and eight large straight cylinders that appeared to be work ships about 5,000 meters long and 1,000 meters high.Half of the vanguard units were attacking Fortress Kerviel, while the other half were approaching the planet Alcaeus. The one ship that showed a Magic Element Engine's reaction, and the eight cylinders that the Daemon King Theia described as work ships, headed toward the star.A rough representation of the appearance of the vanguard units is that of a metallic jellyfish.When izumi's soldiers regained consciousness, they scrunched up their faces at what they witnessed and, as a conditioned reflex, put their hands on the triggers of their artillery fire. The Daemons did not lend their help, however, and the fighter crafts powered by the magic engine did not operate.In response, Ynln ordered them to wait and see via communication.Commander-in-Chief Ynln to all forces of izumi. Those who have appeared are allies. Do not interfere with their actions.Even Ynln, who had given the order, was not convinced that the unknown group was on their side.All Ynln understood was the fact that Mariel, the Daemon Emperor who had contracted with him, collaborated with the Daemon King Theia, who ruled over the area connected by the gate, and had invited the group that Theia had a contract with.Mariel is an ally of Ynln, her contractor. This is because the Spirits and Daemons used by tens of billions of human beings have consistently sided with their contractors, and they have a decent track record.However, while Mariel is an ally of Ynln, the contractor, she is not an ally of humanity as a whole, not even of other Daemons.After all, Mariel ate the Daemon King Nixe, who was contracted by Ishidor, the leader of Hercules. In addition, she used all but the 5.6 billion people of izumi as a bargaining chip, seeking the cooperation of the Daemon King Theia.The reason why Ynln doesn't stop this terrifying turn of events is because he knows that Mariel is working for Ynln, her contractor.Ynln of izumi has been led by Yuen and Ishidor since the destruction of their home planet.The people of izumi were thrown out into the harsh environment of the planet Alcaeus. And in the defense of the Hercules Star System, a billion people from izumi and Hony were used as disposable pawns.Mariel's selling out the Herculeans on the planet Alcaeus is very convenient for izumi, which has been reduced to a subordinate position. It can't be said that it is an act against the allied partner, but it is the other party that lost faith first.After all, izumi has committed 650 million of its 1 billion fighter crafts to this defensive battle. Of the 6.25 billion survivors, 650 million were lost. Hony also has 350 million people out of 1.12 billion survivors, and most of them are dead.Since this was done, Ynln thought that even if they retaliated, it would be karmic retribution.And Mariel, having given Ynln a clear explanation, took another action.Ynln, I've received a communication from the other party, so I'll connect you. The translation between humanity and the five Goetian tribes has been completed with the first contact with Master Theia. Also, since the Goetians are quantum-thinking beings, I have adapted their appearance to that of humans.Okay, connect me.Normally he would have complained about not being consulted beforehand, but this was an emergency.As Ynln replied, a woman in a black sailor suit appeared on the communications screen of the Central Command Center. Next to her is a red-haired woman with upturned eyes and a winning look.Seeing Ynln and the Daemon Emperor Mariel beside him, the woman in the sailor suit greeted Ynln in a pleasing manner.Nice to meet you. My name is Dahlia, a Count-level Thinker of the Gremory tribe, which spans 26,000 light years of the Andromeda Galaxy.The total area of humanity's territory, including the Monarchy and Tenka, is less than 2,000 light-years.Ynln, who could not imagine such a vast territory, returned the greeting calmly, wondering if the other party was trying to show its civilizational superiority.It is my pleasure to establish first contact. I amXShuYnlnUn ran, the contractor of the Daemon Emperor Mariel, who created the realm of this star system, and the leader of 5.6 billion people. It seems that Mariel has discussed it with Theia, the Daemon King over there, so I'll be in your care.With pleasure.Ynln's words made Dahlia's face turn pale.Ynln was suspicious of the quantum thought vessel that had changed its expression, but Mariel altered the other party's appearance to make it easier for Ynln to understand. Interpreting that Mariel would reproduce even the most trivial changes, Ynln thought that she might really have turned pale and made the first move.The Daemon Emperor Mariel has disposed of the Daemon King who had made a contract with Ishidor, the leader of the Herculeans. Our relationship with Hercules has already broken down. Will you help ensure the safety of the people of izumi?Understood. First of all, I will need the information necessary to fulfill your request.When Dahlia heard that the Daemon King had been dealt with, her face turned pale and she kept an eye on the Daemon floating next to her, and received information about the izumi people from Mariel.Meanwhile, the 360 metal jellyfish-like vessels, each about 800 meters long, approaching the planet Alcaeus, were changing shape, with only one showing the output response of the magic elemental engine.It spread its tentacles wide behind the direction of travel to form a ring, and as it increased the output reaction of its magic elemental engine, it created an energy reaction within the ring.Eventually, a light erupted out, and a new metal jellyfish flew out of the ring.Has the ship become a Transition Gate!?The one that jumped out emitted a new magic reaction immediately after its appearance. Ynln was astonished to see the observation results projected on the screen of the Central Command Center.If a ship with a magic element engine can be used as a Transition Gate, it will be possible to travel anywhere in the galaxy at high speed. Having been shown the technological prowess of a civilization far ahead of humanity, Ynln was terrified by the power of the other party.While Ynln was in shock, communication from Dahlia was briefly lost.When the communication was restored, a woman, this time not Dahlia, appeared on the communication screen.It was a petite woman in a black dress, with ultramarine hair. Beside her was a shy, brown-haired woman with drooping eyes who appeared to be a Daemon.Nice to meet you, Sir Ynln. I am Adreana, a Duke-level thinker of Gremory. Dahlia from before has already transferred her consciousness to the pursuit team. I have taken over the correspondence from now on. Thank you for your cooperation.By transfer, you mean sent to a body to pursue Fortress Kerviel?Yes. We transfer the thought vessel to the ship carrying the surrounding miasma generators. You awaken on a different ship every time the command ship is destroyed, though the Daemons will not follow a thinking vessel that has not signed a limited contract.Ynln was forced to make further upward revisions to the advanced level of the other civilization.If a quantized body could be placed on each ship and awakened each time it was destroyed, it would not die in battle unless it was obliterated. Moreover, if they leave a backup at home, they can be resurrected even if the fleet they sent is destroyed. In other words, they have long since achieved immortality. Even if the Daemons don't follow them.On the other hand, there seems to be a downside to being a quantum thought vessel.The Daemons are active with the magic and miasma of the Contractor. Gremory and the other tribes cannot provide that, and they are conditioned under a limited contract.The Daemon crystal we desire depends on the will of Lady Theia. Therefore, in accordance with Lady Theia's oracle, we will cooperate with Sir Ynln, who is a direct contractor of the Daemon Emperor Mariel.We understand the relationship with each other. We look forward to working with you.Having made the power imbalance between the two known, due to the overwhelming technological difference, Adreana sought to establish a cooperative relationship as per Daemon policy. It was not Ynln or Gremory who led the situation, but the Daemon Emperor Mariel and the Daemon King Theia.When Ynln expressed his understanding and willingness to agree, Adreana nodded slightly with a solemn expression.As the Duke of Gremory, I would like to congratulate you on establishing a relationship between Gremory and Sir Ynln. Now, due to the changing situation, we will begin the process of isolating the group led by Sir Ynln from the rest of the group for their own safety.Shortly after Adreana's announcement, the shape of the eight work ships heading for the Hercules Star changed.The eight ships, which had been connected in a circle in space, expanded the size of the circle while stretching long and thin.Originally a large straight cylinder about 5,000 meters long and 1,000 meters high, it continued to grow in a series of flat lines, resulting in the creation of a giant ring.The ring remained in the space between the Hercules Star and the planet Alcaeus and was connected to one of the ships exhibiting the output reaction of the magic element engine. As the magic element conversion reaction of the magic element engine became stronger, the inside of the giant ring began to emit a strong light.A large number of new objects are appearing inside the giant ring. Eight of them seem to be the same size as the cylinders that came out of the Transition Gate, and a number of 800-meter-class objects are also transferring.The report from the Central Command Center made Ynln stiffen, but he also had doubts.Why didn't they use the transition gate in the star system that they should have used earlier?The power balance resulting from the difference in technology between the Daemons and Gremory is considered superior on the Daemon side. Otherwise, Gremory wouldn't call the Daemon King Theia by her title, and they wouldn't obey the decisions of the Daemons.Then why doesn't Gremory use the Daemon Transition Gate, which is far superior to theirs?Was it because they couldn't spare the miasma to be used, or was the work ship sent from a sector that was not connected to the Transition Gate? Whatever the case may be, he assumed that Gremory was also inadequate.From Ynln's point of view, however, they have technology that is as close to universal as possible. A part of it was about to be demonstrated by the eight newly appearing work ships.Half of the eight ships surrounding the planet Alcaeus were stationary in the sky, and the other half began their descent into the atmosphere. Then a flash of light came from one of the stationary work ships in space.We have observed what appears to be coherent irradiation of directional electromagnetic waves from the straight cylinder to the ground. It appears that the dwarven planetary defense system has been obliterated.After the flash, the anti-space defenses deployed on the planet's surface have been destroyed, leaving a huge hole in the ground. Numerous weapons are instantly reduced to rubble.The surface had also been pierced by several large holes, and four ships, or half of the work ships that descended to the ground, had gone through the large holes.Sir Ynln, please tell the group you are leading not to interfere with us. If they interfere, we may automatically subdue them. It is possible to roughly distinguish between Tenka, the former Coalition, and Hercules, but the distinction between izumi and Hony is insufficient, and there may be discrepancies in the degree of adjustment.Ynln nodded and immediately ordered his subordinates.General Wi, order all troops immediately. Have the Communications Department send out emergency messages to the residents. The people of izumi should raise the flag of izumi, temporarily separate themselves from other groups, and not interfere with the actions of the objects that appear.The identification information on the izumi people provided by Mariel includes the identification data of the information terminal owned by the izumi people, the registered places of residence, and the information on the spies who had infiltrated Hony.It should be possible to roughly identify them, but there are some subjects that are difficult to identify, such as couples and children of izumi and Hony residents, dual citizens, and families of spies with Hony nationality. Normally, Ynln would have taken this into account, but the speed at which the Gremory was moving was so great that Ynln had no time to react.The four work ships that had not penetrated underground had already reached the above-ground settlements where 5.6 billion izumi people, 770 million Hony people, and 800 million former Coalition people who remained in Hercules at the time of the defeat of the former Coalition lived.When a work ship lands on the continent, it instantly spits out three types of objects.They were metal robots with thick spider-like legs, each about 1 meter in size small, 10 meters in size medium, and 100 meters in size large. The number of spiders was enormous, and so many were ejected that one might suspect that liquid had spilled from the work ship.Each of the metal spiders that flew out began to take flight and spread at high speed to the active areas of the izumi, Hony, and former Coalition people.Among these flying objects, the medium and large ones shone, and the weapon groups and android soldiers that had been overlooked by the work ships remaining above were instantly destroyed or turned into balls of flame.Without needing to take data, the ground forces and Gremory's robots are no match at all.After eliminating the obstacles, the robots broke down the walls and doors of the buildings and entered the interior, and began to seize the Hony people.Smaller robots changed shape and entangled themselves with the humans, which were then grabbed and carried away by other smaller robots. Then, like flying creatures that have caught their prey and brought it back to their nest, they grabbed an object and flew back to the work ship.The robots also carried various objects that existed in the living quarters of the Hony people. Almost everything, from furniture and clothes, to tools, machines, vehicles, and even the outer walls of buildings, was grabbed and carried away one after another.It was like a human digging up a nest of ants with a shovel and transferring them into a breeding box.In this case, the breeding boxes were probably work ships. The Central Command Center's analysis of the work ships calculated that even the volume of a single ship could hold 40 million large robots, 40 billion medium robots, and 26 trillion small robots simultaneously, yet only about one-tenth of the total interior space would be used.Eight ships have been deployed, and if they continue to increase in number, about 100 billion people will easily fit inside.By the time the work-ship landed on the continent, the soil and atmospheric components would have been analyzed, and the ecology would have been studied immediately, so the breeding boxes, designed to house humans, not insects, would soon be ready.The thought of humans being bred by jellyfish made Ynln feel nauseous.According to the information we have received from Daemon Emperor Mariel, one of the priority targets, the Herculean leader, Ishidor Azarova, has been captured. Is this individual necessary?The instantaneous capture of Ishidor reminded Ynln of the difference in the level of technology that separated them.If Zeahild, the Daemon King of the Tenka Star System, asked us to close the gate to the Milky Way Galaxy, we would not be able to deal with the Monarchy of Diete and the Spirits. We've cut off communication, so let's just pretend he died in the throes of battle. Just to be on the safe side, I wonder if Gremory will take matters into their own hands. Or should I say tentacles' in this case?At Mariel's flippant remark, Unran remained expressionless and silent.
