168: Arrival at the Sibra Smith System

『The Carnival Viper will soon conclude its faster-than-light travel and transition from hyperspace to real space. Crew members should prepare for the shock, environmental changes, and the scan being conducted from the Sibra Smith System's guide colony. For safety, we will emerge into real space just outside the Sw zone of the Sibra Smith System.』

'Nothing out of the ordinary, then.'

"Nothing out of the ordinary, then."

"Lord Sata, Lady Vee, the Sibra Smith System is the neighboring star system to Imperial Star Vanilla Sid. While minor crimes do occur, it's not a place where large-scale crimes could take place. So, it's only natural, really."

The journey from the Niliani Potts System to the Sibra Smith System proceeded without incident.

Memoqsi lightly scolded our words, clearly unimpressed.

Even if safety is guaranteed, there's still the issue of space monsters.

While it's unlikely that entire ships would suddenly appear out of nowhere, it's possible that one of the bombs scattered by terrorists might just be drifting around.

...

Apparently, they couldn't deny the words between me and Viridiana.

Fall silent.

To be honest, I'm already a confirmed threat—an extraterrestrial monster invading through hyperspace. But what exactly is Vilijanira?

Wait, a terrorist?

Is the Sybrasmith system well-known for that kind of thing?

There shouldn't have been any such words in the materials I received beforehand...

Well, I'll keep an eye out then.

"Entering real space. Our vessel will take approximately three minutes to enter the Sw zone within the Shibrasmiss system, and simultaneously receive scanning from the guide colony in the Shibrasmiss system."

"Hmm, I see."

Regardless of that,

as soon as I emerged into real space, I surveyed the Shibrasmiss system.

I see. There's definitely one star, multiple gas giants, countless asteroids, and several primal colonies... There are also quite a few colonies that seem to be used for shipbuilding.

Not as many ships as in the Niliannipotts system, but still a considerable number.

"Hey, Vee."

"Is something wrong? Sat."

Now, as I scanned the system, what stood out the most?

"Hey, what's with that thing? It's bigger than my main body, yet it's not a colony—it's more like a battleship. What the hell is that?"

"Are you referring to... this?"

"Yeah, that one."

It was nothing short of a colossal battleship, larger than my main body.

Bigger than the base colony we'd stayed at longest in the Niliannipotts system.

Yet it has propulsion units attached, and I can sense modifications for faster-than-light travel, so there's no doubt it's capable of autonomous navigation.

I judge it to be still under construction because, while its overall shape is roughly conical, there are visible gaps in the cone, and the reactor's activity seems to be barely above the minimum level expected for its size.

"That's the next-generation battleship of the Vanilla Universe Empire, the 'Jichikaneo,' isn't it? I heard it was nearly complete, having been built using the pinnacle of technology from the Shibramith System—almost finished after just a few months more... It looks like the exterior is practically done."

"I see."

It truly does resemble a proper battleship.

"But then... uh... something that big. What on earth is it for?"

But what on earth could it possibly be for?

As far as I understand, the Vanilla Universe Empire isn't currently at war with anyone... or rather, no other nations engaged in space expansion have been detected, and there are no signs of internal unrest—except possibly the Siltrilich system.

And in terms of human warfare, the 'Jichikane-to' seems far too large; it appears its only practical use would be serving in the rear lines, dedicated to supply and repair operations.

Yet preparing something like that seems like a sheer waste of money, doesn't it?

"I don't know what it's for. But given its size... maybe something like a space monster?"

"Ah, a space monster... No, actually, if it's against a space monster, wouldn't it be too small? That 'Jichikane-to'—I'd say it's probably about the same size as the middle ground between me and the space monster Black Fols Shark."

"Hmm, I see. But even among space monsters, sizes vary widely... Couldn't there be some space monster out there that's just the right size and needs to be defeated?"

"Ah, maybe one discovered at the forefront of colonization. In that case, there's merit in crafting it to match the intended purpose."

Apparently, even the Vriljaniela doesn't understand the true purpose of the 'Jichikane-to.'

Well, the empire is incredibly vast, so it's not unreasonable to think there might be some cosmic monster out there that can be dealt with using the 'Jichikane-to' at the right moment.

If it doesn't actively attack, but strikes when approached and can't be negotiated with like I can, then there'd be no choice but to destroy it.

"Entering the Sw zone."

"Seems like the time has come."

"Looks like it."

"Satā-sama. Please be careful."

Meanwhile, as they were having that conversation, time passed.

The guide colony of the Shiburasumis system approached and entered the Sw zone.

And as a result of the Sw in the Shiburasumis system...

A faint glowing ring appeared above the heads of Virijianira, Mekokushi, and Joharisu.