94: Dealing with Megalynia

Today's update consists of five chapters.

This is the first chapter.

"So? You found Megalynia, but what are you going to do now?"

"Well... considering the fact that our opponent is located in the deep sea at a depth of nearly 500 meters, conventional weapons won't reach them. So we're left with three options: lure them to the surface, drag them out, or go down and deal with them ourselves."

It seems they’ve received communication from Joharis and Memokshi—ships other than the Cool Cocatris appear to be moving.

Although the main body is focused on monitoring Megalynia, it seems the warships are positioning themselves to target the area just above the deep sea, where Megalynia might potentially emerge, keeping an eye on it only peripherally.

In addition, it appears weapons capable of striking from the air down into the deep sea do exist.

However, such weapons are designed to destroy underwater criminal hideouts or large structures, not to target biological entities of human size.

Even if they hit their mark, it's difficult to confirm whether the target has been eliminated, making them less desirable for reliably killing someone in current circumstances.

"You wouldn't be able to dive in. Submarines of that kind would just turn the tables on you."

Yeah, I don't think so either. To begin with, I've heard the Flaretanbo system is difficult to operate submarines in, due to Sw's convenience...

"Need any preparation?"

"Please do it, Satu."

Got it.

In that case, I'll have to pull it up into the air myself... If no suitable method comes from the participating unit, then I'll just have to handle it myself.

So, while continuing to monitor Magelina, I gradually modify the doll for deep-sea operation.

Of course, it's just a matter of adjusting the output, range, and methods of environmental stabilization mods and shield mods used by the doll, so it can operate without issues in deep-sea conditions.

"Miss Vee. It seems we still can't come up with a way to pull Magelina up to the surface."

"Is that so? What about after we've pulled her up?"

"The main plan is coordinated fire from the standby naval artillery. If that fails, we'll resort to orbital weapons like satellite cannons. Still, it seems they'd prefer to avoid using orbital equipment if possible."

"That's understandable. That's precisely why they're orbital weapons—using them within the atmosphere would cause too much collateral damage."

Meokusi reports back to Vilijaniyla.

I see. If they can lift it from the deep sea all the way to the surface, even my main body wouldn't survive such firepower unscathed.

And if we could launch it from the sea all the way beyond the atmosphere, the attacks would become even more powerful.

Still, the real issue remains—how to strike at Megalnia while she's still in the deep sea.

Of course, everyone assumes she'll eventually rise to the surface, so we might as well wait.

However, beginning the battle this way effectively hands the initiative to Megalnia.

Given that the opponent is a space monster capable of powerful telekinesis, yielding the first move is nothing short of risky—nothing good will come of it.

At the very least, we should prepare for the possibility of one Imperial spacecraft being destroyed.

"Vee. I'm ready. As for my special move, I'll save it for if we're still in trouble even outside the atmosphere."

"Understood. I'll keep that in mind."

Then, the best approach is definitely to strike first.

And the right way to do that is to catch them off guard without them realizing it.

If it's me... yeah, I can pull it off.

"Sat. Let's break this down into four plans."

"What exactly do you mean?"

"1. Strike with surprise and eliminate them immediately. If that succeeds, there's nothing more to say."

As Vilijanira began presenting her plan, Mequxi and Johalis started making contact with various locations.

Seemingly arranging things in the background.

"2. If the surprise attack fails to eliminate them, prioritize dragging Maglenia out to sea. Use any means necessary."

"Understood."

"3. If the naval bombardment fails, forcibly push them beyond the atmosphere. In that case, revert 'Cool Cockatris' back to 'Pumpkin Witch' to serve as bait. Given Maglenia's obsession, she's likely to pursue it over any other vessel."

"Would be nice if we could wrap this up with option two."

"That's right. But if the outer-atmosphere equipment fails, we'll have to go with our last resort—fire from as far away from Planet Flaretanbo 1 as possible."

"Yeah."

Four plans, or stages—depending on how you look at it... It might seem like a gradual deployment of forces, but the point is to eliminate the threat using weapons that can't be used until this preliminary phase is over.

There's no other way.

Besides, it's my job to pull out or forcibly push up Megalnia at any stage.

Well, it's ridiculous to have weapons for fighting a giant space monster the size of a human, so it's only natural that my role ends up being the most important one.

"Vee-sama, Sata-sama. Confirmation received. I've secured the trigger and the memo, so we can synchronize at any time."

"Thanks, Memo. Then, Sata."

"Yeah, let's initiate it."

In any case, the plan has been decided.

Preparations are complete—my vessel, my puppet, and my main body are all ready.

Mæglinia remains stationary in place, showing no sign of noticing me in the Ether Space.

It's nearly evening now, so we should get things started as soon as possible.

"Then..."

My puppet form begins light stretching and simulates the movements to come.

"To keep the Flaretanbo system calm while touring, we'll settle this here."

Assuming a fighting stance, I move my arms in preparation...

"Operation begins!"

Transferring.

"Fall apart."

"!?!"

With all my strength, I thrust the titanium stick hidden in both arms toward Megalina's head and chest.

"D-damn..."

The attack was deflected as expected by the shield, and Megalina finally recognized me.

When Megalynia recognized me, she tried to unleash her telekinetic power toward me...

I said to drop dead, didn't I?

"Rergy...!!?"

Immediately afterward, the four shots were fired, slamming into him as if squeezing his body—his entire frame crushed by an invisible impact.

11/17 Correction of Typographical Errors