Chapter 69: Let’s Build a Memorial Park for the Subjugation

"That thing is dead, right?"

"Unknown."

The conversation took place while they were digging up the buried Earth Worm.

It had been two hours since the operation began, and the surroundings had grown completely dark. Although they had night vision equipment, the worksite was illuminated by several high-intensity lights to allow aerial footage from drones. At an altitude of 20,000 meters, night vision footage tended to suffer from significant noise.

"However, the worm's body temperature is gradually approaching the ambient temperature. There are no unnatural fluctuations or signs of life activities, so it's highly likely that it’s already dead."

"Monsters sure have some incomprehensible biology. It’s creepy."

"Yes, Ma’am. We’re prepared for anything that might happen. Worst case, even if we’re wiped out, it won’t be a problem."

"Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that—what a waste that would be."

Commander Eve sighed. “This isn’t a death flag, right?” she thought to herself before resigning to the steady progress of the operation.

"Ma’am, we’ve fully exposed the worm’s head."

"Alright. Got it. Akane, let’s check it together."

Commander Eve, bored of watching footage of dirt being excavated, had been reviewing the strategic map with Akane. When Ringo called her back, she returned to her commander’s chair. Ringo stood to her right and Akane to her left.

"This is where we severed it with the railgun. It seems like it was starting to regenerate. The mineralized outer layer is growing slightly inward, and what looks like a mouth with fangs is partially forming in the central area."

"…If we remove the mosaic, is it going to look grotesque?"

"Yes, Ma’am. It would be grotesque. I don’t recommend it."

The footage displayed the (new) head of the worm, filmed from a distance. However, the worm itself was covered by a mosaic filter, with explanatory wireframes showing the structure of its outer layer, teeth, and oral cavity. This adjustment was Ringo’s way of sparing the commander from the unpleasant sight.

"Well, I wasn’t planning on looking at it for fun anyway. So, what’s the situation?"

"Yes, Ma’am. It’s safe to conclude that the worm’s life functions have ceased. Fluids are leaking from its mouth, likely a mixture of blood and muscle tissues. It seems the internal structure was violently shaken by the shockwaves from the bunker buster bomb."

"…I’d rather not imagine that."

"I’d like to analyze how the shockwaves affected the target underground… Ringo, can you share the data?"

"Certainly, Akane. I’ll copy the information to your personal storage. Please review any unclear points."

"Thanks."

Akane eagerly leaned forward, her eyes sparkling as she peered at the mosaic footage. Eve, slightly unnerved by her enthusiasm, warned her, “Don’t get carried away.” Eve made a mental note to instruct Ringo later to ensure Akane didn’t veer into a mad scientist trajectory.

"It doesn’t appear to be regenerating, and while the footage alone doesn’t provide clear confirmation, the internal structure seems to have been deformed and crushed by gravity. We’ll investigate other sections as well, but given that it hasn’t reacted despite this level of stimulation, it’s safe to assume it’s dead."

"Hmm… So, the worm’s internal structure doesn’t seem to possess abnormal durability like Rain Croix?"

"Yes, Ma’am. While the outer layer retains an extraordinary hardness, the internal structure appears physically plausible. We estimate that applying sufficient pressure or impact can create internal shockwaves that cause fatal destruction."

"Ringo… Are you saying the outer layer is so hard that it reflects the shockwaves inward?"

"Correct, Akane. Sub-threshold impacts are absorbed or dispersed by the outer layer, preventing them from reaching the interior. However, once the threshold is exceeded, the shockwaves propagate inside, causing damage."

Eve muttered, “So, it’s like the insides turn into a sausage…” but Ringo wisely ignored the comment. That comparison was a step too far.

"Still, there’s no telling what might happen. Continue the excavation with caution."

"Understood. Let me know if anything comes up. I’ll head to the archives to organize some information. Akane, want to join me?"

"I’ll come along."

"I’ll accompany you."

In the end, the Earth Worm was confirmed to be completely dead.

The entire body was excavated and hauled to the surface without any signs of movement. Since there wasn’t enough space to transport the worm whole, it was dismantled on-site.

Although the tough outer layer posed challenges, the disassembly proceeded smoothly overall. Ultimately, the worm was divided into three parts for transport to The Tree via Fortress No. 2.

Upon separation, the central part of the body retained its shape, but the head and tail collapsed under their weight. This phenomenon suggested that the mysterious crystal-reinforced structural enhancement observed in Rain Croix had reverted to its natural state after separation.

The worm’s structural enhancement seemed concentrated on its outer layer—a bizarre combination of metal, stone, and biological tissue that defied typical biological explanations.

Further investigation would be required, but according to Ringo, its structure seemed overly simplistic compared to organisms like earthworms or ragworms. It might rely on inexplicable magical forces for most of its biological functions.

Samples were loaded onto rotary-wing aircraft, leaving only the crater to be filled. The excavation inadvertently tilled the soil from 40 meters underground to the surface.

Perhaps this area might become a forest in the future. With a mix of organic material acting as fertilizer, grasslands could emerge within a year.

"Should we turn this into some kind of rest area? It’s a peculiar spot, but it could work."

"Yes, Ma’am. We can compact the crushed rocks into a stable surface. Anything beyond that would require additional resources."

"Then level the ground and place some carved rocks to make it look presentable. It might become a tourist attraction."

It did.

The site became a forested area, known as the place where Paraiso once defeated a massive monster in a single blow. Its buried remains nurtured the soil, and it grew into a forest that travelers would talk about for generations.

"Now then."

After dealing with the worm-related matters...

The worm, now divided into parts, was being transported to The Tree aboard the SR-1 Albatross. It would reach the research facilities in a few hours.

"The delegation has arrived in Fratara City. What’s the situation?"

"Yes, Ma’am. A scout, a single escort, and a mechanical communicator have been dispatched. We’ve deployed surveillance drones and will have detailed information within a day or two. For now, the delegation has been received at the lord’s manor. Negotiations seem to be proceeding smoothly. They’ll likely stay in Fratara City for one or two days."

On the strategic map, Fratara City was marked with a yellow icon, represented by a stylized fox girl. Yellow indicated a “pending” status—blue denoted friendly, red hostile, and green allied zones.

Currently, only four icons were displayed on the map (since The Tree was outside its range), making it feel rather empty. Eve wanted to expand the scope.

"For offerings, we can use the trade goods we brought."

"Offerings? Is that necessary?"

"Yes, Ma’am. While we are an official delegation, we’re essentially just passing through. The delegation leader may have a family name, but they lack real authority. It’s more of a formality to avoid trouble."

"…Human relationships are such a hassle."

The reclusive commander sighed.

"Yes, Ma’am. Leave the negotiations to us."

As the conversation continued, the fox girl icon in Fratara City turned red.

"…Wait! Ringo!?"

"My apologies."