48: Trinity vs. Rocket Cone

"Let's go through this one by one."

As expected from a military intelligence unit—should we call them a royal family affiliate?

Simply presenting the name and status of Vilijanila made it easy to gain access to the control room of the Triniticum Factory.

Meanwhile, I collected information about the colony's current state while Memokushi retrieved data from the cameras mounted on the colony's outer walls, analyzing it through Vilijanila's eyes.

At the same time, I scanned the surrounding space around the colony using my main body.

But then, one issue arose here.

The rocket cones approaching us likely have a shield-piercing effect, so we can't afford to miss even one. Both of you, this is crucial.

"Yeah, but we can't detect the usual thrust plume from standard rocket cones. Also, cameras monitoring the colony's surroundings can't spot the rocket cones themselves. Even at a distance, that's a troublesome situation."

The propellant isn't visible because it's already transitioned into inertial flight. The main body being invisible is likely due to distance... or perhaps some form of concealment is at play. In any case, without knowing its location, there's no way to utilize Satā-sama's power.

The rocket cones that should be approaching can't be found.

If I could spot them, I could handle anything with my power. But if I can't find them, my power is useless.

Also, although I said the cameras around the colony are only basic surveillance equipment, they're by no means cheap or low-resolution.

It's only because the subject to be compared and the target to be found are unusual that such words are used.

Anyway, enough of that.

So how do I locate an invisible rocket cone?

That's obvious.

"Yes, exactly. So I'll find it with my bare eyes."

"Count on me. Once I spot it, I'll make sure you see it."

"I'll handle the scooter steering."

Vilijanira's eyes.

With Vilijanira's superior vision—far surpassing any mediocre camera—I'll spot the approaching rocket cone.

But Vilijanira alone heading outside the colony would be pointless.

So, Memoqui, an android who can operate the three-person scooter outside the colony without issue, will pilot it while wearing their usual attire.

Vilijanila, clad in a spacesuit, takes her seat behind him, observing.

Behind her, I sit wearing a spacesuit for disguise, ready to handle the rocket cone Vilijanila has discovered.

"Then, Satā. Under the name Vilijanila En Banalagenruuto P Banashido, I grant you permission to unleash the true power of Satā Common Seitekusu L Seiryō, for the sake of resolving this situation. Please lend me your strength."

"As you wish, then."

With that, preparations complete.

Before departure, Vilijanira placed her hand on the Nyū mark beneath my spacesuit and declared it, unlocking my abilities.

Now, all that's left is to find it.

"Then, we're off."

Guided by Memokushi, the scooter departed from the corporate colony's harbor.

Thanks to the mod's function, we moved from an area where air was maintained to one where no air existed.

From here on, communication will be through comms devices, unlike usual.

"Anyway, with my eyes, I can identify planets, stars, and colonies, but not rocket cones."

『The same applies to the memo eyes. We can't detect it at this point.』

『Let's hurry. If it's already switched to inertial flight, it's likely already accelerated sufficiently. In that case, by the time a regular camera spots it, it could be just seconds from impact.』

An endless expanse of stars glimmered in the dark space—conditions so extreme, with absolute zero temperature, zero pressure, and intense radiation, that they would be instantly fatal to any ordinary human.

Through such a space, Memokushi silently moved on a soundless scooter, leaving a trail of light in his wake.

"Master Sata. The helmet you're wearing has a feature that displays the location designated by Mistress Vee. Please use it as a reference."

"I know."

The destination lies in the direction of the asteroid belt farm with Rocket Cone.

If it's flying straight at me, it should be coming from that direction.

However, since the opponent possesses modified rocket cone technology, altering their orbit should be feasible... It would be best if they're detected, but we can't afford to let our guard down even if they're not found.

Found it!

Then, as we reached that direction, Viridianiya shouted, and a distance marker appeared on my helmet display.

Though I can't see anything with my own eyes, if Viridianiya says there's something there, then something must be there.

So, as soon as the marker appeared, I stretched out my arm, spread my hand wide... and grabbed it.

"Got it! Got it!"

"Excellent, Sata."

"First one, Sata-sama."

Yeah, I got it.

Even though it had come close enough to be grasped by my main body, I still couldn't clearly see it... yet I had definitely grabbed it.

And the thing I grabbed was immediately dragged into the space where my main body resided.

This was a successful neutralization.

And for the purpose of identifying my opponent, I bit down on the rocket cone I'd pulled in with my main body...

"..."

『Sata-sama, any results from the inspection?』

『Sata, is something wrong?』

My face involuntarily twitched at what I had sensed.

"Who on earth is responsible for this? This isn't ordinary tech..."

『『!?』』

The rocket cone I'd bitten into had undergone modifications so extreme that the word "modification" felt lukewarm in comparison.