Chapter 63: The Diplomatic Mission to the Forest Nation

The departure ceremony for the delegation to East Gate City was a grand affair.

It was the first mission to another city in several years, and the inclusion of representatives from <Paraiso> added special significance to the occasion.

The gates of Telek Harbor were surrounded by a dense crowd, eager to witness the event.

The head of the delegation was Agritend Luvania, one of the General Assembly members, accompanied by nine other delegates. A total of ten members rode in a mix of carriages and on horseback, waving to the crowd as they passed through the gates.

Behind them trailed the escort vehicles: two multi-legged tanks and one multi-legged terrestrial mothership. The tanks were 10 meters long, while the mothership was an enormous 25-meter machine. The sight of their six legs moving in perfect synchronization inspired both awe and a profound sense of security.

Despite their massive size, the machines moved smoothly and without unnecessary noise. The colossal clubs mounted on their front legs remained steady as they advanced. Though the primary weapon was the main cannon on their backs, the fantasy-inclined locals were more impressed by the visually striking oversized weapons.

"Are the humanoid mechanical communicators being directly controlled?" Eve asked.

"Yes, Commander Ma’am. While they can switch to autonomous mode during travel, I handle their operation during critical moments. Full control isn’t possible due to latency, so I primarily issue commands," Ringo explained.

Accompanying the delegation were three humanoid mechanical communicators. They were currently emerging from the hatch of the terrestrial mothership, waving at the surrounding crowd.

"It’s nice not having to worry about fuel for operating the tanks. What’s it called again? Coherence-based system?" Eve mused.

"Yes, Commander Ma’am. Specifically, the spatial coherence-based microwave power transmission system. Olive perfected it," Ringo confirmed.

The microwave power transmission facility, which was given priority construction at the Second Fortress, was functioning flawlessly. The microwave relay drones, operating at an altitude of 20 km, were performing admirably.

Microwave energy was transmitted from ground-based antennas to multiple relay drones, which reflected it to designated points. While the basic approach was direct targeting, the system could calculate reflection and diffraction paths around obstacles to deliver energy even in obstructed areas.

Additionally, the system used multiple transmission points to focus energy at specific locations by leveraging wave superposition principles. This distributed setup minimized the output of individual beams and reduced environmental impact, though it did result in higher energy losses. This trade-off was deemed acceptable to prevent issues like vaporizing moisture in the air.

"We should think of a reward for Olive… but for now," Eve muttered.

She pulled up a map of the Affraysia United Kingdom on a floating monitor. The map had already been shared publicly with Telek Harbor. The sight of it had left Kulavia Telek, the merchant guild leader, visibly unsettled, but Eve dismissed it as a minor issue.

"A straight-line distance of 640 km. The highway’s length is about 1,000 km. Assuming a carriage speed of 15 km/h…?"

"Yes, Commander Ma’am. The journey should take approximately 15–20 days. The condition of the roads can be partially repaired by the multi-legged tank MLT-E-01. If necessary, the tanks can also tow the carriages," Ringo calculated.

Preparing the delegation had been a delicate matter. If <The Tree> provided everything, the delegation would effectively represent <Paraiso>, diminishing Telek Harbor's standing. Conversely, relying entirely on Telek Harbor would have resulted in a hazardous journey due to their lower technological capabilities. Ultimately, a compromise was reached: carriages and escorts were provided.

The delegation used six-wheeled carriages manufactured by <The Tree>. The chassis was made from hollow steel alloy, reinforced with precision molecular printing. Independent suspension and bearing-equipped axles ensured a smooth ride, and the hard-set tires minimized rolling resistance.

Normally, a long-distance delegation would require a caravan, but luggage was stored in the multi-legged terrestrial mothership, and security was managed by the multi-legged tanks, minimizing the number of personnel needed. The final group consisted of two representatives, two attendants, two drivers, and four guards.

The drivers alternated shifts, traveling three hours in the morning and three in the afternoon. Attendants handled horse care, meals, and setting up accommodations. Guards alternated between riding horses and resting in the carriages. The representatives had no specific duties but spent their time chatting with the drivers or helping with meal preparations to pass the time.

The humanoid mechanical communicators entered sleep mode when idle and only engaged during mealtimes for communication.

"It’s a boring journey, as expected," Eve commented.

"Yes, Commander Ma’am. There are few predatory animals, and the bandits in the area have been eradicated. Danger will increase near northern towns, but 80% of the route should be uneventful," Ringo reassured.

"Good. Let me know if anything happens. I’m, uh, very busy!" Eve replied.

"Yes, Commander Ma’am. I’ll be cheering you on."

Eve was busy redesigning a particle cannon-equipped ship, a project she had previously shelved. With the microwave power reception system now operational, the energy problem seemed solvable.

Reality, however, was not so kind.

Simulations showed that while the system could transmit energy to power the particle cannon, the receiving equipment couldn’t handle the energy density and would melt. The conversion efficiency of the receiver was insufficient, though it was adequate for railguns.

Thus, Eve was engrossed in finding a solution to this issue.

She could have asked Ringo for help, but since this was a personal project, she had no intention of delegating it.

Ringo, for her part, suspected the results of firing a particle cannon in the atmosphere wouldn’t be pleasant but chose not to voice her concerns. After all, it was just a hobby.

Unexpected Trouble

"Commander Ma’am. We have a problem with the delegation," Ringo reported.

"…What? The delegation!?"

The report came about seven days into the journey, after passing through Iron Town, when Eve had nearly forgotten about the mission.

"Multi-legged tank MLT-E-011 detected unusual ground vibrations. A detailed investigation by multi-legged terrestrial mothership GMS-E-01 revealed that something large is tracking them underground."

"…Underground?"

"Yes, Commander Ma’am. Likely a large subterranean worm."

The projection monitor displayed live footage of the delegation: the carriages surrounded by guards and flanked by the escort vehicles.

The tanks and mothership stood on alert, their legs extended to brace against potential underground attacks. The humanoid mechanical communicators atop the mothership were poised for immediate deployment.

"We underestimated the risks in this region due to insufficient surveys. With your permission, I’d like to deploy drones from the mothership for surveillance," Ringo proposed.

"Do it. We’re not holding back and risking casualties. Full authorization for all weaponry—go free."

"Yes, Commander Ma’am."