97: Analysis of Magelina

Today's update covers five chapters.

This is the fourth chapter.

"Let's confirm our current situation."

The 'Pumpkin Witch,' carrying us, is pursuing Magelina at sublight speed.

Although we're pursuing it, there's a gap of several minutes' worth of light-speed distance between us, meaning Magelina—apparently relying on normal vision to select its targets—is not currently within range to launch attacks.

As a result, we decided to share information not only between us but also with the personnel responsible for maintaining order in the Flaretanbo system.

That said.

"Satu"

"Magelina is still traveling at sublight speed. No planets are visible in its direction of travel, so I believe it's attempting to escape beyond the Flaretanbo system. It doesn't seem to have noticed my main body pursuing it."

"Memo"

I agree with Satā-sama's observational findings. We're tracking different OS reactions through the 'Hetero Mirror,' and one reaction that isn't Satā-sama's main body is heading straight toward the outside of the Flaretanbo system.

We're essentially the only ones providing this information.

Although there are others pursuing Maglenia, they're more than an hour behind us.

Moreover, there are many pieces of information that only Memokshi—someone capable of analyzing data through me, a cosmic monster, and the 'Hetero Mirror'—can perceive.

"Question: Is it really possible for humans to travel at subluminal speeds with their bare bodies? I mean, I understand it's being done in reality, but I just can't grasp the logic or fully comprehend it..."

"If we're talking about that, the idea of humans turning into cosmic monsters is unprecedented. Compared to that, I think we can probably manage sublight travel with machines and mods."

"No, what we should really be worried about is how to actually take him down. Even a single strike from the satellite cannon failed to kill him. He was definitely reduced to pieces, yet he just reassembled himself... Ugh."

"If you're going to run away, then that would be acceptable. Honestly, we don't think we can handle such an opponent. If we recklessly attack here and end up being struck back..."

Well, even so, they end up saying whatever they want to say in the form of questions—whether it's the captain of the warship or the commander of the satellite cannon.

Hmm, maybe I'll ask you to be quiet for a moment.

There's information I need to share in advance, just in case something unexpected happens.

"Vee"

"Please remain quiet, everyone. The information I can provide is extensive. So, let's first present all the details, and then we can proceed with discussion."

『『『……』』』

Yeah, they've gone silent.

As expected from Vilijanira.

Then, let's release the necessary information.

"Then, Satā."

Ah. Megalynia, but that thing likely gains the ability to resurrect every time it kills a human and consumes their eyes. It also has an OS capable of storing that privilege. Ah, objections are not allowed. A cosmic monster with its own OS—such a thing can only be tolerated if you ignore its sheer absurdity.

『『『……』』』

"In other words, if we let him escape here, he could go on to injure or kill tens of thousands of people at his next destination, and amass a life force beyond human capability. That alone is more than enough reason not to let him go."

"Yes, you're right."

It was only natural, given the heavy responsibilities each of them bore, that they didn't shout in protest when hearing my unacceptable words—though their expressions clearly showed they were biting back bitter frustration.

"As for other notable traits, it seems that every time Maeglinia dies, her telekinetic output increases. Originally, attacks that could definitely kill her in the early stages became ineffective just before she escaped. Still, this is likely just a temporary enhancement. I can sense the signatures of different operating systems gradually converging, and correspondingly, the speed of FTL travel seems to be slowly decreasing."

It doesn't concern you, Satā-sama. Even if output is dropping, don't forget that it still possesses the power to turn a bare human into a pulp in an instant.

"So, the situation remains unchanged—we must ensure the opponent can't see us directly."

They grow stronger with every death.

That's truly troublesome.

Not only do they resurrect repeatedly, but if they resurrect again before the previous enhancement fades, the power multiplies—doubling, tripling, and so on.

Moreover, since the effect duration is fairly long, it's unlikely that we'll be able to suppress the enhancement's influence, no matter how hard we try.

"As for subluminal travel... it's probably due to the results of learning. Since it was once human, it naturally carries knowledge from its human days. If it has knowledge, then for a cosmic monster equipped with its own OS, creating a few necessary modifications should be no problem at all. The telekinesis was likely prepared in the same way."

"Does that mean faster-than-light travel is also possible for the Megalini?"

"That's the point. Still, without a guide beacon, faster-than-light travel could send you anywhere in the universe—just like with cosmic monsters. If you're drifting through space by instinct alone, that might be fine, but since the Magelians possess knowledge, they shouldn't be taking the easy route of faster-than-light travel."

I see, I see.

Honestly, if the Magelians just went ahead with faster-than-light travel without guide beacons, it'd make things a lot easier.

There's no doubt we'd never be able to return to the Vanilla Empire's territory, and we can't even be sure the destination space would even support life.

It's a real problem that we wouldn't be able to follow them or confirm their survival.

But if we keep going this way, that's exactly what'll happen.

There are no guide colonies heading toward the Grogrobeta system or the Niarani Potts system in the direction Meglinia is going.

"...Vee-sama, Sata-sama. This may be clumsy..."

"Memo, what is it?"

"Hm?"

"There is a discarded guide colony ahead in the direction Meglinia is heading."

"A derelict guide colony built during the dawn of the Flaretanbo system, abandoned during the chaotic era. There shouldn't be any humans inside, not even the caretakers. Even if the guide beacon is still functional, no one knows what lies beyond it."

Ah, a guide beacon with an unknown destination... It's as good as unguarded, yet if we can reactivate it, we can shake off our pursuers with faster-than-light travel.

Whether or not I survive depends entirely on what happens next, but staying here in the Flaretanbo system is less likely to ensure survival than taking the risk.

Still, intelligent alien monsters are a real pain... I suppose I shouldn’t be the one saying that.

‘It’s an abandoned guide colony. It can be destroyed without issue. And we can’t let that Meglinia Spephana monster slip away. What we must do is perfectly clear.’

"You're right. If there's no one inside, it's even more justified. Satra."

"Well, my secret weapon might just be capable of smashing the enemy's OS completely. At the very least, it shouldn't be a losing gamble."

Flaretanbo, who had quietly taken control of the communication screen, made his decision.

Vilijanira agreed.

Within the limits of my knowledge, there's no better option.

Then, there's nothing else we can do.

"Then, memo, Joharis-san. Stop the sublight maneuver of 'Pumpkin Witch' at a distance where the guide colony is visible—yes, roughly a few minutes at light speed."

"Understood."

"Got it."

"Satya. Prepare your best move. Even if Megalynia has the knowledge and capability, she won't be able to restart a discarded guide beacon in just a few minutes, so we'll strike there."

"Got it. Vee, too..."

"I understand. We'll begin preparing to minimize the damage."

"Let's take care of things here to make sure nothing else interferes, just in case."

With that, we set off.