The Pacific War: Emergency Situation
On the monitor in front of Misaki, various parts of the ocean where the battle took place were displayed. She saw people caught in the explosion, while others barely escaped from the sinking ship and drifted at sea. The allied fleet immediately sent boats to rescue them, but since they were in the middle of retreating, not everyone could be rescued.
". . . . . . . . ."
"*beep*.... Please make a calm judgment. Ama no Murakumo is under no obligation to be involved in this war. The enemy is an entity that has received some kind of divine blessing. I suggest assuming the worst-case scenario."
"Adolf can destroy our golem with his bare hands. I don't know if it was science or magic, but he built a giant airship to restore the Third Reich. What's even worse than that!?”
Misaki couldn't help but raising her voice. Otherwise, her mind would keep spinning in circles.
The theory of human goodness doesn't convince me.
Why does something like the Third Reich exist?
Why did someone like Adolf receive divine blessing?
Which god, and for what reason?
"*beep*.... The worst-case scenario is that Ama no Murakumo is seized by the enemy. If that happens, Truss One and I will initiate self-destruction, but we also assume the possibility that we ourselves will be rewritten before that."
"*beep*.... There have already been multiple instances of interference from unknown communication lines. Since it's only a minor level of line intrusion, our security system is suppressing it."
“I see.... Do you know the expected damage from this point on?"
"*beep*.... The enemy has somehow captured several ships from the allied fleet. With those ships currently held hostage, both sides are unable to make a move. No, more accurately, the allied fleet is at a loss as to what to do."
"What if we conduct a rescue mission using Tsukuyomi?"
"*beep*.... It's likely that it will be destroyed by the fleet under enemy command, and the wreckage will be recovered later."
"I guess taking down the enemy airship first is the only way."
"*beep*.... Ama no Murakumo’s cannon fire would likely cause massive damage to the surrounding waters."
What weapons do we have again?
- 78-Caliber Triple Magic Pulse Cannon
- Force Vulcan Cannon
- Space-time Submersible Guided Missile
- Mana Phalanx
- Magia Ritters
- Combat Servant
The 78-Caliber Triple Magic Pulse Cannon shoots a straight line of heat ray that could melt the enemy airship, but the energy scattered upon direct hit would evaporate the surrounding waters. Naturally, the people who are still adrift within the area of effect will be vaporized in an instant as well. It’s uncertain whether Force Vulcan Cannon can penetrate the enemy barrier. While it doesn't generate as much heat as Magic Pulse Cannon, it will heat up the surrounding waters to boiling point.
The space-time submersible guided missile causes no damage until it hits the intended target, but the captured ships would definitely got caught in the explosion. Mana Phalanx can be deployed countless times up, down, left, and right, but it lacks firepower. Magia Ritter and Combat Servant risk being captured, so they are naturally out of the question.
Damn. Is there really nothing a combat amateur like me can do?
“My Lord, can we not defeat Adolf with our upgraded bodies?”
"There's not enough data. If we're going to do it, we need to be sure we can win. Using new weapons without testing them on the battlefield and win isn’t something that can be done outside of manga or anime....”
Suddenly, Misaki noticed the enemy airship on the other side of the screen slowly beginning to turn around.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Turn the bow towards Ama no Murakumo's direction. Start adjusting the angle."
"Yes, sir!"
Following Adolf's command, Admiral Graf Spee slowly began to turn its hull to port side. Since Ama no Murakumo had approached within visual range, there was something he would like to try. The control of all captured vessels had been handed over entirely to the SS members. Meanwhile, the captured soldiers were fixed alive on the decks of the vessels, serving as meat shields to protect against attacks from the enemy fleets.
"You can never win a war while clinging to morality. I have long since abandoned such things. But look at that Ama no Murakumo, it's such a divine weapon...."
Looking at Ama no Murakumo displayed on the monitor, Adolf trembled with joy.
"The supreme masterpiece created by the Creator God, a world-destroying weapon.... no, an existence-destroying weapon. The past me could easily destroy it with just one swing of my hand, but the current me, I’m not sure if I can even scratch it. Nevertheless, this will serve as a warning."
The hatches in the center of the bow moved up, down, right, and left, revealing a cannon that was much larger in caliber than the others.
"Your Excellency, we haven't finished testing it yet. It's too dangerous!!"
"What are you talking about? We have a perfect target practice in front of us. Isn't now a perfect time to test it?"
Adolf said this with a laugh, then sat back in his chair and crossed his knees. He placed his hands clasped in front of him and stared intently at Ama no Murakumo.
"Start charging the main gun. Let's see if it has enough fire power to penetrate Ama no Murakumo’s barrier. If this works, those small fries would lose their will to fight. This one strike might bring us victory."
"Understood, start charging the main gun!"
Magic power flowed into the pressurized chamber at the base of the main gun, where a 7.62mm orichalcum bullet was floating. The condensed magic power then slowly formed a shell.
"The enemy fleet continues to retreat. Given their position, a counterattack seems impossible."
"Very well. Fire the main gun, Gustav‼︎"
The main gun of Admiral Graf Spee, an 80cm magic cannon, opened fire with a roar. The original Gustav could never reach Ama no Murakumo, but the new model created by Adolf, struck its bow in mere moments.
*boom*
Along with a roaring sound, the force field was shattered and the bow was hit. If the armor had been a little thinner, the attack could have blown a hole in Ama no Murakumo. Meanwhile, the Admiral Graf Spee also suffered collateral damage. The main gun was unable to withstand the heat of firing and exploded, melting the surrounding area. Its operators were also vaporized in an instant, leaving nothing behind.
"Direct hit!! Ama no Murakumo's barrier was penetrated and it seems minor damage was inflicted on the bow."
"""Whoa!!"""
Adolf unconsciously rose from his chair and stared at the monitor. No smoke arose, but damage had definitely been dealt to Ama no Murakumo.
"Has the enemy barrier been restored?"
"We can’t visually confirm it, but I don't think their barrier has been restored yet."
"I see. Then, continue the surveillance. Our damage is severe, but those watching this scene will have to make a decision, whether they like it or not."
Adolf was satisfied. Even with his current body, which possessed only a fragment of the God of Destruction’s power, he was able to fight evenly against the weapon created by the Creator God. However, there were only three rounds of 80cm magic cannon left. The accumulated magic power had also been halved by the last shot, and any further consumption would affect the ship's operation. For now, he decided to focus on observing Ama no Murakumo's movement and how the world would react.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"You've got to be kidding me...."
Sergei, the commander of the Russian fleet, couldn't believe his eyes. He was surprised when Ama no Murakumo arrived at the battlefield, and when the former French oceanographic vessel revealed itself, he was half overjoyed, thinking a savior had appeared. But shortly after, the force field of Ama no murakumo was shattered with a sound like breaking glass by the enemy airship's main cannon fire and smoke rising from its bow. Had it hit in a different spot, that shot might have penetrated Ama no Murakumo completely.
The enemy airship looked like a larger version of the Graf Zeppelin from the past, but was equipped with unknown technology that surpassed modern technology. Not just the barrier, their weaponry also possessed power equal to or even greater than Ama no Murakumo.
"Contact the homeland. The situation is dire. I request further instructions."
"Understood."
From an operational standpoint, retreat is out of the question, but my on-site judgment is telling me that we must retreat immediately.
What country, and by what means, could possibly challenge such a super weapon?
"Any contact from the US fleet?"
"None. They're probably in the same situation as us."
"I wonder how Ama no Murakumo will respond...."
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The US and other countries' fleets were retreating at maximum speed. If they were hit by the enemy airship's main cannon, their fleets would suffer devastating damage.
How could we defend our cities from such attacks? The answer is we can't. Our weapons might be able to inflict some damage if we are lucky, but we have no way of taking down the enemy airship itself. Only Ama no Murakumo possesses such a capability.
Now that the enemy have attacked Ama no Murakumo, how will they retaliate?
The leaders of various countries could only watch Ama no Murakumo with bated breath
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Japanese Self-Defense Forces destroyers began to gather along the Pacific coast, forming a defense line in anticipation of any contingency. The current opposition parties were vehemently opposed to this, especially the communist parties, who were loudly proclaiming that the very existence of the JSDF was unconstitutional and asking if they intended to send young people to the battlefield. Nevertheless, as the cornerstone of national defense, they were gathering to protect Japan.
No one knows if the Third Reich will target Japan, but it's better to be prepared for the worst.
We are not trained to kill people.
We are trained to protect people.
To protect Japan, to protect its citizens.
Even if we are called unconstitutional, we will still protect Japan.
If possible, it’s better if we never have to act.
Because if we do, it means Japan is in danger.
Natural disasters, airspace violations, territorial waters infringements--- various things are plaguing Japan.
Our responsibility is to protect Japan from these threats.
"Report incoming! Ama no Murakumo has been hit by the enemy's main cannon! Their barrier was destroyed, but the damage is reported to be minor!"
"Observe the enemy airship’s position. If it moves towards Japan, we will shift to maximum alert!"
*gulp*
The Ministry of Defense and the Joint Staff Office were wrapped in tension. Initially, there were requests from various countries for Japan to dispatch their fleet as well. However, Japan adhered strictly to their defensive policy, and since the current operation by the World Allied Fleet was outside the scope of existing security treaties, Japan also refused to deploy their forces. Nevertheless, a Joint Task Force was immediately organized and has begun operating as a key pillar of national defense. Even so, some members of parliament, lost in their own fantasy world, were still naively thinking that they could resolve this through dialogue. The reorganization process began after a stern rebuke to their arrogance.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Minor damage on the bow outer armor. The repair is not urgent."
"Force field generators 2 and 5 at the bow are damaged. The automatic repair has begun."
"Start analyzing the enemy's artillery fire. Such weaponry should not exist on Earth!"
The enemy airship opened fire on Ama no Murakumo. Then, unexpectedly, their force field was destroyed, resulting in some damage to the bow. Misaki, who hadn't anticipated such a turn of events, was having a panic attack.
"Turn the hull five degrees and increase the port side force field output!"
"*beep*.... Finished analyzing the enemy's artillery fire. It appears the projectiles were formed using a magic coating and then launched by magic cylinders. The core is an orichalcum projectile."
"*beep*.... Detecting abnormalities in Lady Misaki's vital signs. Confusion, agitation, fear, loss of will to fight.... I recommend retreat."
"Huff.... Huff...."
What's going on?
I'm having trouble breathing.
My chest feels tight.
I feel like I'm going to throw up.... no, I already did.
I'm also feeling dizzy.
No good, I can't think of anything.
Nothing comes to mind.
Is Ama no Murakumo losing?
That's impossible!
Ama no Murakumo is the strongest.
But our barrier was destroyed and the bow was damaged.
Does this mean Adolf's blessing is stronger than mine?
This is bad, my consciousness is fading.
I want to run, I want to escape, but I can't speak.
My chest hurts, my vision is flickering.
Oh no, everything is getting dark....
"*beep*.... Lady Misaki vital signs have suddenly deteriorated to a dangerous level. Move her into the medical pod ASAP."
"Understood. Octa One, I'll leave the rest to you."
"*beep*.... Initiating emergency evacuation. Lady Misaki's safety is our top priority. Ama no Murakumo will begin spatial submersion."
"*beep*.... Understood. All communication lines with the outside world will be cut off after entering the subspace."
"*beep*.... No matter. Lady Misaki is more important than anything."
"*beep*.... Understood.”