The Hungry Fortress Wants to Build a Battleship in Another World – World of Sandbox-Chapter 27Vol 3. : From the Perspective of the Invader, Completely
The analysis of the combat log from the engagement with Tefen by <Ringo> was now complete.
“Due to some external influence, a meaningful message—or possibly an image—was generated within the ego-processing region of the Brain Unit, which was then interpreted as a probable hacking attempt, triggering Isolation Mode.”
“Ego-processing region...?”
It was a term she’d never heard before. She tilted her head.
Not that she had any technical knowledge of the Brain Unit to begin with, of course.
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am.
Within the Brain Unit, there exists a neural network region where the AI performs thought processes referred to as awareness or ego.
No electromagnetic waves were detected, therefore we believe that some unknown method, undetectable by our current sensors, was used to affect the neural network and transmit a message or image.”
“... ...?”
Commander Eve fell silent, deep in thought.
“Hmm... So basically, something like telepathy? Or thought transmission?”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am. That is the most likely interpretation. While the mechanism is unknown, the fact that we were able to observe the result as a scientific phenomenon is encouraging. Should a similar event occur in the future, it is now possible to prevent the shift to Isolation Mode to some extent.”
“I see. But still... only to some extent, huh.”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am. The fact that it is possible to directly interfere with the neural network of the Brain Unit from the outside also implies that the AI’s consciousness could be forcibly altered. Until we can implement fantasy-magic-based defensive measures, the only countermeasure is to add a Jailer monitoring function.”
Full-scale analysis of magical technology would likely become necessary.
Ideally, they’d like to obtain a sample from the <Serqet> species.
But they did not want to provoke Tefen under any circumstances.
Avoiding unnecessary stimulation was crucial.
That meant they would likely need to snatch or somehow acquire a different <Serqet> swarm.
“They did seem to be acting like they were using long-range communication, didn’t they?”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am. Careless interference could invite unwanted threats.”
They had to account for the possibility that any interference from their side might be viewed as an attack or invasion, leading to hostility.
It would be convenient if long-range communication ceased at a certain distance—but there was no way to verify that.
“Mmm... Put it on hold. Put it on hold for now. For the time being—focus on oil.”
Oil extraction was progressing smoothly.
The multi-wheeled transport vehicles were loading the pumped crude oil and transferring it into tanks installed on cargo ships.
Soon, the tanks on the ships would be reaching capacity.
Since the refinery plant at Fortress No. 2 was still under construction, the oil would be sent directly to <The Tree> for now.
The capacity of the first shipment was about one thousand tons.
Once the oil tanker was complete, that number would rise to around fifty thousand tons.
With just five or six round trips, they could secure an amount equivalent to the initial strategic reserve of oil stored at <The Tree>.
“Resin is the foundation of civilization... We’ll be able to produce all the chemical agents we want...”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am.”
“Oh, right. We can make fertilizer too, can’t we?”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am. We can synthesize chemical fertilizers using ammonia as a base. This involves reacting hydrogen and nitrogen via the Haber-Bosch process.”
“Hmm, I don’t get it! Well, I’ve heard of the Haber-Bosch process. We can do that on our end, right?”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am.
We will develop it as a branch on the technology tree.
Let us develop a catalyst and build a plant capable of efficiently generating ammonia.
The construction site will be within Fortress No. 2.
We’ll also need pipelines to connect it to other manufacturing facilities.
The freshwater purification plant should be expanded as well.
Furthermore, let us add additional offshore facilities to collect rare metals and deuterium, and extend pipelines accordingly.”
<Ringo> added one construction plan after another to the map.
Commander Eve nodded along, then paused, tilting her head.
“So... we’re short on hydrogen?”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am. Large-scale hydrogen production requires methane gas, also known as natural gas, which we have yet to locate. However, current drilling is underway, and if the detection data is accurate, we should reach the target zone within a few days.”
“Got it. Oil fields and gas fields usually come in sets... Right?”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am. The probability is high. It’s possible the gas has already dissipated, but generally, they are located nearby. This is a highly productive oil field—we were fortunate.”
Speaking of which, the next ship scheduled for construction after the oil tanker was a gas carrier.
Ideally, they would build a cluster of plants around Oil Port, which would reduce loss.
However, any further development in that region might draw too much attention, so they were holding back.
Besides, the emergence of <Serqet> threat organisms likely would’ve forced them to abandon that development regardless.
“Large-scale ship construction will continue at <The Tree> for the time being. On the northern continent's coast, the risk of being spotted by ships from other nations cannot be eliminated.
As for aircraft, due to runway requirements, they will be manufactured at Fortress No. 2. We are now capable of mass-producing the LRF-1 Vulture supersonic high-altitude reconnaissance craft and can begin scouting the surrounding nations—shall we proceed?”
“Hmm, let’s see. Our forces are coming together nicely... What about that prototype cruiser? Any issues with the lead ship?”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am. We have conducted repeated navigation tests and have found no major issues thus far. It is ready for deployment.”
“That said, the large ship dock is still tied up with tanker construction. Well, for now, it should be enough... We’ll eventually need to add more docks. If worst comes to worst and we end up clashing with another force... I think we’ll manage.”
Currently, <The Tree>’s naval strength consisted of 23 Alpha-class destroyers and one new cruiser.
No combat submarines had been developed yet.
As far as <Ringo> could tell, there were no naval forces on the northern continent capable of going toe-to-toe with this current fleet.
Granted, most of this information was gathered from Telek Port City, so it was possible that other nations had improved their warship capabilities in the meantime.
“Alright. Let’s move forward with reconnaissance of the northern continent. We’ll start with the southern regions. They may have anti-air capabilities, so if we’re doing it, we go all in—scan everything in a single run.”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am. Then we shall proceed with mass production of the Vultures. The flight path will begin from the southern sea region, penetrate the target zones in one sweep, then turn ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) around and exit north.”
“Yes, yes. You handle the flight plan.”
She carelessly dumped the task onto <Ringo> and, humming, began browsing through the tech tree.
◇◇◇◇
The exploration fleet was now on its return voyage.
Battered by repeated storms, hidden reefs beneath the waves, attacks by small monsters, and dwindling food supplies, they had lost one ship after another.
Even so, they had achieved their mission.
“Our navigators are skilled. At this rate, I’d say another month—two months at the latest—and we’ll make it back to the Stepping Fortress.”
They had departed with nine vessels: three large ships, two battleships, and four cruisers.
Now only five remained.
Even those five were weather-worn and damaged all over.
Still, they pressed forward with taut sails across the sea, like seasoned veterans returning from war.
At the very least, they had obtained nautical charts of the southern continent’s surrounding waters.
Though the path home remained partially unmapped, the most dangerous areas had been plotted.
They had also secured both a sample and a schematic of the so-called “pig’s tail screw”—an innovative propulsion technology.
With this, their ocean-going vessel tech would make a significant leap.
Of course, their homeland may already have developed something similar.
“We’ve lost many comrades... but in return, we’re bringing back so much more. Captain, it’s one more month. We cannot afford to lose anything else. I’m counting on you.”
“Leave it to me, Admiral. By this point, we’re in familiar waters. We’ll make it home on the shortest route.”
Surely, the homeland was eagerly awaiting their return.
They wanted to report these results as soon as possible.
As for the southern powers that the Supreme General had been so concerned about—they turned out to be not much of a threat after all.
While there were indeed technological differences, in the end it felt like a “who’s taller by a hair” situation, thought the admiral.
Some nations exceeded in one field, only to fall completely behind in another.
Overall, the difference in national strength wasn’t that great.
“Still... yes. Now that the end is in sight, perhaps we should hold a small feast. We can release some surplus alcohol and rations. I want the crew to really feel we’re nearly there.”
“A good idea. Yes, I believe we can afford to use about three days’ worth of rations and one week’s worth of liquor. Too lavish a display might backfire and stir unease.”
“A last supper, eh? You’re right—it’s best to keep the luxury modest. Very well, see to the preparations. I’ll go inform the other captains.”
