NoveLight ™
“The analysis of Rain Croix is complete.”
It had been quite some time since that harrowing battle, but Ringo finally delivered her report.
“Took you long enough.”
“Yes, ma’am. Apologies. The dissection process alone was immensely time-consuming, given the sheer size of the specimen. I’ll summarize the findings. The detailed report has been compiled into a document.”
“Alright, go ahead.”
Rain Croix, resembling an oversized crocodile, was a carnivorous and ferocious creature.
“This concludes the biological analysis.”
“...It’s the definition of a kaiju.”
Rain Croix displayed a unique defensive mechanism: a barrier-like shield formed upon impact, dispersing kinetic energy across a wide area centered on the point of collision. This barrier persisted for about two seconds and could be disrupted by continuous attacks or sustained pressure. Once broken, it required roughly three seconds to regenerate.
The creature’s physical body was also incredibly durable. Its scales, down to the smallest piece, were so tough that even armor-piercing shells with an initial velocity of 1,000 m/s couldn’t penetrate. Only APDS (Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot) rounds at 2,000 m/s could deal damage, and even then, deflection occurred depending on the angle of impact.
“This hardness was a nightmare. Did you figure out how it works?”
“Yes, ma’am. We’ve observed the phenomenon, though understanding the principle behind it through scientific methods may be unlikely.”
“So… magic?”
“Yes, ma’am. It’s magic.”
Ultimately, Rain Croix’s primary threat was its massive size, but its defense was equally formidable. Large, hard, and fast—being ambushed by such a creature would spell disaster for The Tree’s current capabilities. Fortunately, its movements were not stealthy, so surprise attacks were unlikely.
“This hardness was only observed in tissues directly connected to Rain Croix’s body. Conceptually speaking, it seems the entity recognized as Rain Croix itself was imbued with extraordinary toughness.”
“...What does that mean? Go on.”
Once body parts were separated from Rain Croix, they became ordinary meat. Their strength reverted to normal biological levels and began decomposing due to bacterial activity. However, as long as they remained part of Rain Croix’s whole, they were unnaturally tough and resistant to decay. In other words, anything recognized as part of Rain Croix was magically enhanced.
“When we inserted a piece of another marine creature’s flesh into a wound, it gradually became enhanced as well, though it took time.”
“Huh. So, it only applies to biological material?”
“Yes, ma’am. More specifically, the enhancement seems to activate once the material’s properties are assimilated into Rain Croix.”
Interestingly, when an enhanced piece of marine flesh was removed, it showed signs of adhesion. Despite Rain Croix being deceased, the foreign tissue began merging with its body. Analysis revealed that the flesh’s composition had changed, becoming nearly identical to Rain Croix’s, even down to the genetic level.
“Properties… assimilation, huh.”
“Additionally, one of the projectiles embedded in its bone showed the same phenomenon: the tungsten tip was partially assimilated into the calcium-based tissue.”
“…Tungsten merging with calcium? That makes no sense.”
“It’s an extraordinary biological entity, indeed… the absurdity of fantasy made real. One hypothesis is that the body interprets characteristics—‘meat’ becomes integrated as flesh, and ‘hardness’ as bone. It’s a loose classification system.”
Theoretically, assimilation and transformation could be mimicked scientifically using molecular machines or atomic transmutation. The conversion of tungsten into calcium was analogous to the processes observed in advanced reactors.
“If we think of it as a magical equivalent of molecular machines or an atomic transmutation reactor, it’s somewhat… tolerable to accept. Maybe.”
“‘Tolerable,’ huh? You’re not convinced at all.”
Whether or not Ringo was satisfied, the next step was identifying the source of this magic. After investing considerable effort into dissection, they discovered a massive crystal embedded near Rain Croix’s heart.
“Ah, so a mana stone?”
“Uncertain.”
Scientific analysis revealed little. The crystal was translucent but emitted its own light rather than refracting external light. It was deeply integrated into the body, functioning as an organ of sorts.
“Removing the crystal caused a rapid decrease in Rain Croix’s structural integrity. It appears to be the core of its magical enhancement.”
For now, the crystal was returned to its original position to prevent Rain Croix’s body from collapsing under its weight and succumbing to decay.
“Speaking of assimilation, does this mean it has some regenerative ability?”
For instance, would it resurrect if left alone?
“To some extent, yes, ma’am. However, what we’ve observed is more like adhesion than true biological healing. Wounds stick together, but blood vessels don’t reconnect, nor do new tissues form. Resurrection seems unlikely.”
For now, the crystal’s presence prevented decomposition, allowing Rain Croix to be stored indefinitely.
“How long will it last? Scientifically speaking, wouldn’t maintaining this enhancement eventually deplete its energy?”
“Yes, ma’am. It likely requires a steady energy supply. Even at rest, the structural enhancement resists gravity, pressure, temperature changes, and bacterial decay—all of which would otherwise degrade the body.”
Ringo had implemented strict monitoring to detect even minor changes, ensuring any variations over time would be recorded.
“Additionally, the juvenile Rain Croix specimens appear to be growing well. Four have been confirmed so far, each about 50 cm long. The host marine carcass is decomposing, but they seem unaffected and are actively feeding.”
The juveniles, along with the host carcass, were secured in a specially constructed outdoor enclosure. Nets prevented their escape, though the juveniles showed no interest in fleeing. They spent their time basking on the carcass or nibbling at it occasionally.
“We’re monitoring them closely since decomposition may affect their behavior. Their growth rate is rapid, so they may consume the host before it fully decays.”
Ringo, for her part, was eager to capture one for experimentation. She was curious to see if they shared their parent’s abilities, and if so, to what extent their genetics differed.
“Well, they’re valuable specimens. Make sure they don’t die accidentally.”
“I’ll take precautions.”