第１９４０堀：試験の為の試験 (Part1)
Chapter 1940: A Test for the Sake of Testing
Side: Narjia
Before my very eyes, a dream has taken form!
This thrill is entirely different from the sensation of forging a weapon.
We have brought this colossal construct to life through the combined efforts of countless artisans and mages!
"Ahahaha! Amazing! It’s truly amazing! To think that humans could create something like this!"
"Indeed! The potential of humanity is truly infinite!"
Agil and Firia, who are monitoring the situation alongside me, are at the peak of excitement.
To think we could actually set such an iron fortress into motion!
No, I knew it was possible in theory, based on our calculations.
But to see it actually moving before me—that is a completely different experience.
Ah, it reminds me of the first time I ever engaged in smithing or metallurgy.
No, it is even more than that.
As Firia says, I feel as though I have witnessed the infinite potential of humanity.
"Ah, Comet-sama, Zargis, how are things on the inside? The data we’re reading here, along with the external visuals, suggest there are no anomalies, but?"
Oh, right.
Getting excited is fine, but this startup experiment is strictly for gathering data.
This land battleship is packed with advanced technology.
The first step is to confirm it can start up and hover using its magical barrier.
Without that, movement is impossible.
Well, it is moving, but it is also vital to check the data to ensure there is no overload.
『This is Comet. No issues from the bridge. How about you, Zargis?』
『This is Zargis, reporting from the combat command center, the CIC. No issues occurring at present. The overload during startup was also within acceptable parameters. I am currently having the cabins inspected.』
Hmm, I see. It seems the startup and initial movement of the prototype land battleship are proceeding without a hitch.
Next, we have durability tests under continuous movement, attitude control over uneven terrain, combat maneuvers, overload verification, and testing the offensive weaponry... there is so much to do.
We are far from completion, yet we have taken the first step.
"Understood. What shall we do, Narjia-aneesama? The first sequence, from startup to operation, has been completed perfectly."
"Let’s see. I would ideally like to run the first sequence about 10,000 more times to iron out any troubles, including human error, but there’s no harm in proceeding with the rest, is there?"
I confirm this with Firia and Agil.
"Ultimately, there’s no doubt we have to test everything. So, it wouldn't be wrong to just run through the entire flow."
"I agree with Firia’s opinion. We were already debating which approach to take, and since there haven't been any notable troubles, why not run the whole thing and just interrupt if an anomaly occurs?"
"That makes sense. The initial startup experiment went well, and there are none of the malfunctions we feared. Let’s move the plan forward. Comet-san, Zargis-san, are you both in agreement?"
『Of course, let’s keep going!』
『Indeed. Safety testing is important, but testing the limits of what we can do is equally vital. Ah, when we reach that stage, perhaps we should call Yayui-san. If it’s a vehicle, that person can draw out its absolute maximum performance.』
"That’s a great idea. Let’s sound out Yuki-san about that later."
Yes, the future looks bright!
*Bang.*
Just as I was thinking that, the door to the command center swung open.
Could the vibrations from the startup have caused a problem somewhere?
If there are injuries, I should call the medical team—no, would it be faster if I brought the elixir myself?
As I pondered this, the people who entered were...
"I understand the request to dispatch Yayui. That said, I hadn't heard anything about a startup experiment?"
Yuki-san and the others entered with smiles on their faces.
Hmm, I see. That smile...
"It’s a happy occasion, isn't it! I didn't expect it to be this far along. And while I heard about the startup experiment, I didn't hear that we needed permission for a 'test of the startup experiment'~"
"Ah, you’re putting it that way? You don't mean that maliciously, do you?"
Yuki-san says something a bit off-kilter, perhaps caught off guard.
"Of course not. If we failed during the startup experiment, the entire land battleship project might be scrapped, right? A test of the startup experiment is essential."
"Exactly. This is a test to see if every part functions properly. It would be a waste of time to drag you and the others into a failure."
Yes, both of them are saying what is only natural.
We are currently under pressure to develop and complete the land battleship as quickly as possible.
Therefore, we must avoid stumbling during the startup phase.
That is precisely why we are conducting a test of the test.
"Ah—I see. I understand, but I’d like you to keep us informed and let us watch the progress. Someone will always rush over. Part of it is to take responsibility in case of an emergency. We can't afford to lose people like you, Narjia-san."
"I see. That is certainly true. Understood. I will keep you informed from now on. Though..."
I turned my gaze toward Agil and Firia, and they nodded immediately.
"Well, we plan to do this 'test of the test' every single day starting today. As you can see, the physical model is already finished."
"And from here on, it’s just a matter of running tests, over and over."
I tell them the truth plainly.
That is how it is.
From here on out, it will be continuous durability testing.
The location for these activities won't be the plains near the coast where we are now, but the wilderness, where sandstorms dance. So, at the very least, I want to exhaust all the data we can gather here on the plains before we move on to the actual operational data from the wilderness.
"I see, so that’s how it is. That certainly isn't wrong."
"True. Ahaha, you guys really are amazing."
"Nahahaha, Stasia, Tori, you won't get anything out of me by flattering me. Besides, the second ship is scheduled to be finished soon, too."
"Exactly. Since we’ve confirmed it moves with this experiment, the more ships we have to gather data, the better."
"Seriously?"
Yuki-san and the others look even more surprised, but I decide to explain it anyway.
"Yes. It’s no lie. Since the blueprints are already finished, there are functions we want to test, but we are at a stage where we can supplement them with expansions. We’ve built the outer shell, such as the armor, and are in a state where we can attach modular interiors. We’ve already prepared up to the fifth ship."
" " "The fifth ship!?" " "
Voices of astonishment rose even higher, but...