49: Modified Rocket Cone

"Sat, can you explain it as much as you can while prioritizing handling the situation? I assume your ability can already determine the Rocket Cone's mod configuration at the time of harvest."

"Yeah, I'll explain. But handling the situation comes first. We can't let these things hit the colony—no matter what!"

Memoqui steered the scooter forward while Viridianiara caught the next rocket cone, and I dragged it into the space where the main body was located.

While doing that, I explained to Viridianila and the others the mods contained within the rocket cone currently approaching, as analyzed by the main body.

And upon hearing the explanation, the Vilijanira...

Isn't it completely turned into a weapon...?

"Commonly referred to as 'demonic modification,' though to this extent, even I'd have to take notes."

"Y-yeah, you'd react like that, wouldn't you?!"

It was a full-blown recoil.

But then again, it was completely understandable.

The rocket cone contained modifications like these:

・Shield-piercing mod, achieved by coating the entire structure with that mysterious metal

・Faster-than-light travel mod, enabling sufficient acceleration upon launch

・Cloaking that renders the object invisible to the naked eye unless viewed through Vilijanila's eyes, a concealment mod

・A fall control mod, seemingly designed to improve impact accuracy on the target after inertial flight transition

・A rigidity mod that locks the entire object's position for a set duration upon impact, enhancing structural integrity and enabling penetration through most building materials

・Scatter mod that amplifies destruction by dispersing effects of the immobilization mod upon impact

・Growth promotion mod that utilizes anything nearby—including space dust and water—in the surrounding environment to fuel growth

・Designated fragmentation mod that breaks down destroyed construction materials into specific shapes, making them easier to use for growth

・Overdrive mod that removes all intended controls normally present in these mods

・Various others. etc., numerous mods that could potentially lead to widespread damage, for now.

With the exception of a few cases, each individual mod isn't inherently problematic—these are mods commonly used in normal circumstances. However, when so many are gathered into a single object and delivered at super-high speed, it becomes entirely akin to a weapon... a dangerous one, capable of annihilating an entire star system, depending on how it's used.

After all, just one hit into a colony completely destroys it, while simultaneously using the remnants of the original colony as material for a rapidly growing, magically modified rocket cone that sprays out in all directions.

"And what's truly alarming is that despite packing such an immense number of modifications into a single organism, it hasn't triggered any event horizon collapse. The creator's technical skill clearly goes far beyond that of a mere terrorist."

"You're right. Even I can tell this isn't an ordinary weapon. If we're dealing with something this extreme, we'll definitely need to question the Triniticum Factory later. The level of malice is far too high."

"The operator of the rocket cone that was launched should also be detained—not as a victim, but as a suspect. This wasn't something that could have been prepared in just a single day."

The fortunate thing, I suppose, is that even with something of this magnitude, since it's based on the Rocket Cone, it can't venture beyond the range of Sw in the Grogrobeta system.

No, I can't afford to be complacent.

Someone capable of such extensive mod construction wouldn't find it impossible to bypass that restriction.

"Vee, what about the remaining Rocket Cones!?"

'Currently, as far as my eyes can perceive, there are twelve... thirteen... it's still increasing!'

"Continuously increasing right in the middle... And from all directions, too."

"Got it!"

On the visor of the helmet acting as a monitor, markings appear, drawn by Viridianiela's hand.

Recognizing this, I immediately extend the main body's arm as instructed, without checking the details, grab hold, and drag it into the space where the main body is, rendering it powerless.

Coming at the corporate colony from literally every direction, yet regardless, Meikoshi speeds the scooter forward, I swing my arm... and all the while, Vilijaniela's markings keep spreading.

To any ordinary human, this would be an impossible situation—hands simply not enough. But we're cosmic monsters; our main body has far more than two or three arms, so we drag them all in, one after another.

To onlookers, I might just appear to be repeatedly extending and retracting my arms, opening and closing my hands. Yet even so, the processing continues, and the rocket cones, markings, sounds, and lights all fade away without a trace.

『Suu... haa... suu... haa...』

"I'll definitely beat the culprit behind this whole mess later—no matter who they are, I'll smash them to pieces, physically and without hesitation."

"I agree. The intelligence unit... no, I'll mobilize the full strength of the empire to assist."

Her breathing, except for her eyes, grew ragged from exhaustion.

Yet her grip on the marking never loosened.

So I continued, following instructions, extinguishing the rocket cones one by one.

The total number extinguished reached twenty... thirty... and then surpassed fifty.

'Pant... pant... uh... pant... Sat, memo. You two did great. From my line of sight, I can't confirm any more rocket cones.'

It's passed... ceased.

'Phew... no, you should be saying that to me. Vee.'

'Good job, Vee-sama.'

'How about we say thank you instead? I couldn't have done it alone.'

Looks like we made it through.

The silence of space, or the state of no change, gradually returns.

Just to be sure, I check with my main body’s eyes… but if the Vilijanila’s eyes can’t detect anything, there’s no way mine would either. Still, I take a look anyway—nothing was confirmed.

"Hah… Memokushi."

『We’re already on our way. Your current state requires rest as soon as possible.』

The scooter flies toward the corporate colony’s harbor.

"Vee"

"What is it?"

"Ah, thanks—neither of us could do anything on our own, so we're even. That's why I'm thanking you. I wouldn't even be here at all if it weren't for you."

"Fufufu, maybe that's true."

At the harbor, some of the Tritycamm Factory staff had already gathered in welcoming mode.

Seeing this, Vilijanira looked delighted... but Meokushi and I grew more alert instead.

Then, the scooter landed at the harbor.