Is It Too Early To Give Up?
Day six of the United Nations Security Council's inspection mission. Since they would be returning home tomorrow evening, there would be no major activities on the final, seventh day. They would probably be organizing luggage and exchanging information among themselves at most, and no battle was expected to take place. Therefore, if they were going to make a major movement, it would be today, the sixth day. The crew of Ama no Murakumo, the sages, and the council, were all full of anticipation.
"On the previous day, Jiaolong confirmed the existence of a passage up to the second bridge. However, they mistakenly identified it as Ama no Murakumo’s main bridge."
"The security system up to the second bridge has been restored to its original level, so reaching it is considered impossible."
"*beep*.... Each commander have informed their members that today's operation will be their last battle, and that we have full knowledge of it."
Naturally, the main bridge of Ama no Murakumo was off limits, but we did show them one of our auxiliary power reactor during the tour. However, they seemed to be under the impression that it was our main power reactor. The auxiliary power reactor was just as huge as the main power reactor. Their misunderstanding is understandable.
"So, is there any updates about the Japanese escort?"
"We still haven't found him yet. Is he even a human? Our motion sensors couldn't detect him, and neither could the atmospheric pressure sensors installed throughout Ama no Murakumo."
"Moreover, he has been hiding out there for four days without eating. If he were a living creature, there should be some trace of it, but there isn't even that."
Can elite soldiers control their body functions to that extreme? No, there must be some loophole somewhere, and as long as he is human, he is bound to human limitations. He’s probably just more skilled in this field than the other elite soldiers.
"Hmm, let's see.... What about the atmospheric composition in each floor? Can't you analyze it?"
"Except in emergencies, we conduct atmospheric composition analysis three times a day. However, since there is vegetation on each floor, we can't detect the minute fluctuations caused by a single person's breathing."
"He is really like a ninja, huh. Hildegard, is it possible to learn this technique?"
"It's possible. Since we are golems, we can control our body temperature, we don't breathe, and we also don't have heartbeats. If only we have the data about the know-how...."
Oh well, even if they learn it, they probably wouldn't get a chance to use it. If it were other countries, they would use such soldiers for infiltration or other similar military operations. However, Ama no Murakumo will only take self-defense actions.
"Alright, let's show them our best hospitality till the end. I will be attending tonight's dinner."
"*beep*.... I've already started the preparation."
"Good. I'm going to take a bath and then get something to eat."
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Since morning, the representatives from various countries had been busily touring the urban areas. Not group activities, but individual actions. They had been told that they were free to move within the urban blocks, so some were exploring the city accompanied by their respective escort, while others were still trying to find a way to get beyond the internal bulkheads. By the other day, they had learned about everything they wanted to see and touch inside Ama no Murakumo. When reporting back to their home countries, they would likely be met with a lot of envy.
Meanwhile, the Russian special forces and the Chinese special forces were on their final operation. They climbed the large vertical duct’s inner wall to move to the upper level. Yesterday, they had confirmed the existence of a heavily guarded area that they suspected was the location of Ama no Murakumo bridge. In fact, they had witnessed several council members entering and leaving that area on numerous occasions.
"A total of 12 special forces members. Add SEALDs to the mix and you've got the strongest team in the world."
"I agree. Unfortunately, it seems the US representative's escort is not from SEALDs, but from the US Marines stationed in Okinawa."
"Forget about that. The US has recognized Ama no Murakumo as a sovereign country. How could they have the nerve to declare this when it was their country that first attacked Ama no Murakumo.... Five minutes to go."
Five minutes before the operation began. Everyone checked their timers and took their positions. Unlike their previous operations, this time was an operation to capture a strategic location.
"They have declared that they will not kill us. In that case, we will not hold back.... no, we will give our all!"
With that resolve, the joint China-Russia special forces began their operation.
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All the gears mesh perfectly.
The Japanese escort wondered what would he do if he were Misaki Tendo. Although her lifestyle habits couldn't be confirmed, the rough range of her activities could be understood from the investigation so far.
Now it's the time....
He had already confirmed via infrared sensors that the target had begun to move, and all that remains was to act according to the instructions from the higher-ups. It was also confirmed that she was only accompanied by one attendant.
After relieving her fatigue in the bath, Misaki Tendo would be having an evening drink at the lounge around this time.
Harboring no hostility towards Misaki Tendo, he boldly walked towards the bathhouse.
The target is on the other side of this door.
There is no need to rush.
I’m a machine that was created to accomplish the mission.
No emotions are needed.
Telling himself this, he opened the door.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Phew. A cold beer after a warm bath is truly exceptional. I wish Hilde could drink too."
I was having a post-bath drink after relieving my fatigue with a warm bath.
Luxury items like beer is still rare in Ama no Murakumo. It's not often you get enjoy them. I asked if we could buy from the affiliated companies, but naturally, it requires payment. Currently, the only payment we can make is in the form of 'gold' and 'various rare metals' extracted from seawater.
I tried creating Ama no Murakumo’s currency using gold, but since it’s not an internationally circulated currency, transactions are only possible at gold market value. Despite this, we managed to stock up on beer, but after hosting the inspection team for almost a week, it’s almost running out already.
"Well, as long as it's not a luxury item, I have a certain amount of stock. I wonder if French fries are universal...."
Hildegard has been staring beyond the entrance since a while ago. Is there something there?
Just then, the door opened, revealing a Japanese man Japanese person clad entirely in black military outfit.
"Huh? Hildegard, this floor is monitored, right?"
"Are you the person mentioned in the report? Welcome to the Yuratama Super Bathhouse.... I'd like to say that, but if you take even one step further, I'll eliminate you on the spot."
Hildegard was exuding murderous intent towards the man. However, he just calmly raised his hands in surrender.
"I guess I'm the only one who made it this far. I didn't come here to fight. I’ll just finish my errand and leave, so please don't be alarmed."
"Don't be alarmed? I don't want to hear that from someone who couldn’t be detected by our security system."
"There are loopholes here and there.... In any case, I came here just to deliver an official letter from my home country."
"Calm down, Hildergard. So, what country are you coming from? England? Or maybe Germany?"
I know that he is a Japanese, but it’s better to pretend I don’t know. If I seem too knowledgeable, it might give people more reasons to pry further.
"I'm from Japan. I think you'll understand if I say it’s the country where Ama no Murakumo first appeared. This is a letter from the Japanese government. I was simply ordered to deliver it to you."
Pulling a letter from his pocket, the man placed it on a wagon beside the entrance. Meanwhile, Hildegard kept watching him without letting her guard down.
"If you are done with your business, you may leave now. I've called someone to guide you back. I don't want you to get lost and end up in a strange place, after all."
"That would be much appreciated."
"Just speak comfortably."
"Then, please excuse me. I'm just a field soldier, so I'm not good with etiquette.... and, thank you. If I have to go through that narrow passage again, I'll have to seriously think about going on a diet."
The man turned around and left after saying that. Then, along the way, two Servants flanked and guided him to the exit.
"That was impressive. Did you also not notice him approaching? "
"I first noticed his presence when he entered this bathhouse. However, since I didn't feel any hostile intentions, I decided to not take any action until he arrived here."
"I see. Good work. By the way, how did he get here?"
I racked my brains thinking, but I couldn't come up with any reasonable scenario.
“*beep*.... He might have come through the partitions separating each district in the urban area, or perhaps passed through multiple exhaust ducts connecting buildings. Our sensors couldn't reach such places.”
“Can you actually get through those partitions?”
“The partitions come in pairs. Even if one side is destroyed, the interior remains safe unless the other is also breached. The urban partitions are also designed to be disconnected block by block and discarded.”
Through such a gap? He is really like a ninja.
"I can only sigh.... Speaking of which, how are the joint special forces doing?"
“*beep*.... It’s quite a spectacle.”
Several monitors appeared in front of me and a battle scene unfolded like something out of an action movie. In a corridor leading to the second bridge, the Servants were fiercely defending against the combined special forces in a gunfight. There was a number of Servants and soldiers collapsed here and there, a scene fitting to be called 'littered with corpses'.
"Hold on, do we have casualties too?"
“No, the Servants have sensors installed at their vital points, like humans’ weak spots. They are instructed to play dead if they got shot there.”
"Is this a survival game!? I mean, our opponents are using real weapons right? What about our side?"
"*beep*.... Our side is using hard rubber knives and guns with rubber bullets. A bone or two might have broken, but no one was killed."
I see. Even though they are fighting for real, we are using them for our training.
“Looks like this is going nowhere, so I think they will join the fray soon.”
"Who? Oh, those two...."
From the end of the corridor, Gerhilde and Schwertleite appeared, clad in black outfits like special forces. They quickly closed the distance from blind spots and infiltrate the special forces side.
“Gerhilde is using combat data obtained from the Russian special forces, while Schwertleite is using combat data obtained from the Chinese special forces. They would have never expected to face opponents moving exactly like their own elite units.”
On the monitors, Gerhilde and Schwertleite could be seen neutralizing the combined special forces. A gust of wind, a nightmare that blew across the battlefield. In less than ten minutes, all the soldiers had been subdued.
“This is game over. Judging by the scale of this raid, this was probably the last attempt.”
Everyone had their hands behind their heads in surrender, but oddly enough, there was a refreshing air about it. They did their best and admitted defeat. That was exactly the impression they gave.
“Maybe we should give them something as a reward for their efforts. Hildegard, I’m going to do some alchemy.”
“Understood. I’ll be standing by nearby, so let me know if you need anything.”
“Thanks!!”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Day six, night. It wasn’t the last supper, but tonight’s dinner was a standing buffet-style party. The escorts, although carrying their weapons, participated in the party as they praised each other’s efforts. Among them, the Japanese, Chinese, and Russian escorts, were having lively conversations with their respective country representative. The scenes of bodyguards enjoying themselves together could be seen here and there as the party progressed, when suddenly, an unexpected guest made her appearance.
*clink-clink*
Misaki Tendo appeared from the wing of the stage. Both the representatives and the escorts held their breath in surprise.
“To all members of the United Nations Security Council inspection team, thank you for your efforts over these six days. You may report everything you have seen and heard here in Ama no Murakumo, including the experiences of the escorts, without holding anything back.”
Misaki began speaking into the microphone. No one foolish enough to do anything disruptive during this time as expected.
“Our country is still in its infancy. We have no history and are nothing more than an ordinary existence. However, from now on, Ama no Murakumo will continue to move forward. We would be grateful if you would watch over us warmly.”
The representatives began to applaud, thinking the speech was over. However, she was not done talking yet.
“Our country will respond mercilessly to hostile opponents, but this does not apply to those who extend a helping hand. Therefore, if you unilaterally ignore our warnings and act recklessly because we do nothing, be aware of the consequences.”
This was a warning. If any country took advantage of Ama no Murakumo’s leniency, there would be consequences later. The countries that continued investigations near Ama no Murakumo territorial waters. The countries that approached and examined territorial boundary buoys despite the warning. Their representative wanted to quickly cover things up but could not take any action at the moment. On the contrary, the representatives of China and Russia were smiling with a confidence, seemingly ignoring Misaki’s warning.