Chapter 46: Science vs. Fantasy

Thirteen cannons were trained on Rain Croix. Without delay, they fired in succession, unleashing a barrage of projectiles toward the creature.

“Impact confirmed.”

Through precise timing, all 13 shells hit simultaneously, their trajectory designed to strike Rain Croix’s massive body submerged beneath the surface.

The impact generated massive sprays of water, rising tens of meters into the air. Even Rain Croix’s colossal body was momentarily lifted out of the sea.

“Damage undetectable.”

Footage from the impact replayed. The armor-piercing rounds struck various points simultaneously. However, just like the first volley, a glowing barrier and rippling waves of light appeared, deflecting all the shells. Some projectiles, hitting at shallow angles, slid off Rain Croix’s surface and veered off course.

Eve silently observed the footage, her mind racing for a solution while Ringo continued her analysis. A new approach, independent of Ringo’s calculations, was necessary.

“I’d like to believe it can’t defend itself indefinitely. If we keep firing, maybe that barrier will eventually weaken or disappear.”

There was some hope. If the barrier could repel infinite attacks, there would be no way to defeat it. Still, this line of thinking leaned more toward wishful optimism.

“We need a shell with greater penetrative power. Armor-piercing discarding sabot (APDS) or maybe high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds. But since its armor isn’t metallic, penetration effects might be limited…”

“Ma’am Commander, APDS shells have higher velocity than the current rounds. It’s worth trying, though the effective range is only about 3 kilometers, so immediate use is impossible.”

“True. Another option is anti-ship missiles. They reach Mach 3 on impact. But hitting it underwater is out of the question.”

On the monitor, Rain Croix thrashed and roared, water erupting in front of its open maw.

“It’s roaring. Could it be a threat display?”

“Maybe it’s angry.”

The third volley struck. This time, precise targeting caused Rain Croix’s massive body to flip and crash into the water on its back.

“No significant changes from impact location. The barrier’s light and ripples appear no matter where it’s hit.”

“A barrier, huh…”

Rain Croix rolled its body and dived deeper. The fourth volley was largely absorbed by the surrounding seawater, rendering it ineffective. The creature accelerated underwater.

“Rain Croix is on the move. It’s heading toward us.”

“Damn, it figured it out.”

After enduring repeated bombardments, Rain Croix seemed to realize the source of the attack. Staying submerged, it swam directly toward The Tree Fortress.

“Rain Croix accelerating. Speed: 10, 15, 20, 25 knots. It’s expected to reach the defensive perimeter in five minutes.”

“This isn’t good. What about the Alpha-Class Destroyers?”

“Three are in position.”

“Torpedoes?”

“Only one ship is equipped.”

“Fire them.”

“Yes, Ma’am Commander.”

Though unplanned, the torpedoes were high-speed, supercavitating weapons. They could reach speeds exceeding 800 km/h, though such acceleration was unlikely in the current conditions. Even so, they were the only weapons capable of countering an underwater target.

“Launch.”

Three torpedoes launched from their tubes, rocket flames propelling them before they plunged into the sea, accelerating toward Rain Croix.

“Rain Croix at 50 km/h, depth 50 meters, 3 kilometers from the defensive perimeter.”

“Please work…”

The torpedoes accelerated, reaching 300 km/h and still gaining speed. While they didn’t reach their maximum velocity, their speed was sufficient.

“Impact in five seconds… three, two, one, now.”

The first torpedo struck Rain Croix, releasing a shaped charge jet followed by a secondary warhead explosion. The second and third torpedoes detonated in tandem, creating powerful bubble pulses that rocked the creature’s body violently.

“Whoa…”

A massive plume of water erupted, and Rain Croix’s body breached the surface.

“Impact confirmed.”

As Rain Croix surfaced, a barrage of armor-piercing rounds from the fortress’s 150mm smoothbore cannons and the Alpha-Class Destroyers rained down on it. A total of 21 shells struck in rapid succession, carefully timed to exploit the creature’s barrier.

“Damage detected.”

“Finally!”

Video analysis revealed that while the torpedoes had no discernible effect, the relentless shelling overwhelmed the barrier. By the 10th round, the barrier disappeared. The 11th round scraped off some of Rain Croix’s scales, though the 12th and 13th slid off at poor angles.

“Continuous attacks are effective.”

“All guns, full barrage!”

“Yes, Ma’am Commander.”

The 21 150mm cannons unleashed a blistering rate of fire, exceeding 45 rounds per minute. Over 15 rounds per second converged on Rain Croix’s massive body, each shot observed in high detail via long-range cameras.

“Numerous direct hits, but the creature’s tissue is incredibly durable. No critical injuries. Additionally, the barrier seems to regenerate every few seconds.”

Rain Croix writhed under the relentless assault, twisting and contorting its body. Its rounded shape caused many shells to deflect upon impact.

“It’s so tough…!”

“Switch the Alpha-Class Destroyer ammunition to APDS rounds.”

The decision to change ammunition led to a temporary halt in firing from the Alpha-Class Destroyers. Seizing the momentary lull, Rain Croix slipped beneath the surface.

“Ah, this isn’t good.”

Instead of fleeing, Rain Croix dived deeper and swam toward Alpha-Class Destroyer No. 15, Oscar.

“Oscar, increase speed!”

The gas turbine engines roared, generating massive power. Propellers churned the seawater as the destroyer accelerated.

“Whoa…”

Rain Croix lunged with its massive jaws, narrowly missing Oscar’s stern as the destroyer surged forward. Seizing the opportunity, the fortress’s cannons resumed fire, stripping away the barrier, while Oscar’s stern-mounted guns unleashed APDS rounds at close range.

The projectile split into four segments mid-flight, shedding its sabot casing to accelerate the spear-like core. At 2,000 m/s, the round pierced Rain Croix’s scales, bypassing its formidable defenses.

“The round penetrated Rain Croix’s body!”

“Yes!”

“The second round was deflected by the barrier.”

“What?! Why?!”

Hundreds of shells had struck, yet this was the first effective hit. Though the extent of the penetration was unclear, blood seeped from the wound, confirming damage. However, the creature’s defensive capabilities remained formidable. To pierce the barrier and land effective hits, APDS rounds had to be fired immediately after the barrier was stripped.

“We can hit it again, right?”

“Yes, Ma’am Commander. Timing recalibrated. No issues.”

Ringo’s computational precision turned the demanding timing into mere routine. Adjusting the firing intervals, the fortress cannons stripped the barrier, while the Alpha-Class Destroyers followed up with APDS rounds.

Eight APDS rounds struck Rain Croix, each shot precise and unyielding.

Relative to its enormous size, the wounds resembled pinpricks. Still, few creatures could endure nine piercing strikes across their body unscathed.

Rain Croix, seemingly panicked by the pain, began thrashing wildly. Its massive movements generated enormous waves, disrupting the formation of the surrounding Alpha-Class Destroyers and partially deflecting the fortress’s shells.

“Our encirclement is breaking. We can’t maintain containment.”

If Rain Croix escaped the encirclement, it could flee, complicating any future engagement. This monster needed to be dealt with here and now.

“Ringo, ram it!”

“Yes, Ma’am Commander!”