Chapter 140

Episode 140. Nanami’s Greatsword (1)

****

This is the abandoned factory. We lured out two Blue Roses using the artifact from the Machine Church as bait. It was an attempt at a trap investigation.

Two Blue Roses, a roughly humanoid supernatural phenomenon suspected to be a Mimic, and something from the Machine Church—whether it’s a cyborg or a doll, whatever.

[Dr. Kim. Do you see the Blue Roses?]

“Yes. I don’t see them.”

[Let’s kill the ones wandering around first.]

“Providing fire support.”

Everyone is holding real guns, but Mimics don’t have the shooting skills of a human. Mimics aren’t as tough as humans with bulletproof gear either.

On the other hand, the Clockwork Dolls were stronger. Maybe because their bodies are made of metal, they didn’t fall after taking one or two bullets.

“Do you see any other supernatural phenomena?”

[No. It’s exactly as you see it.]

Exactly as you see it.

At least they’re not the type to mess around with cognitive disasters, so that’s a relief. I continued to kill the humanoids searching the building one by one.

Bang!

This is a bit disappointing. I was expecting a fight with powerful divine-level entities. But this? Just a bunch of meaningless small fries.

I reconnected with the Command Center. The radio crackled.

“Command Center, please respond. Are there any Blue Roses or other high-level humanoid supernatural phenomena nearby? Please confirm.”

[This is the Support Department Head. We’re deploying drones from the light tank to survey the area, but currently, no high-level humanoid supernatural phenomena are visible.]

“Understood.”

[Apologies. There aren’t many CCTV or reconnaissance assets near that area. If you give us some time, we’ll send more reconnaissance drones.]

I don’t think that’s necessary. It’s a shame the Blue Roses didn’t take the bait, but it means today’s battle should be easier.

“Got it.”

It’s a bit strange.

Last time when the ‘Clockwork Eye’ appeared from under the sea, some bronze archangel-like monster chased and attacked the warship.

This is disappointing.

Are they attacking us with dolls and a few stragglers? Did they really think they could oppose the Foundation with just this?

Nanami drew her sword.

[I’ve seen enough. Time to kill.]

Boom!

A loud noise echoed. Nanami’s footsteps resonated inside the abandoned factory. Cans flew everywhere. Come out, Blue Roses.

If you don’t come out, the situation will be over in a minute.

****

Spring and Black frowned.

They were sure the Foundation’s facility was here, but who tricked them?

“Where did the facility go?”

“Maybe it was never there.”

“But the artifact is right there?”

“Whatever it is… it’s a trap. We should retreat.”

Spring shook his head.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but there’s no need to attack the facility. Even if it’s a trap, the mission’s difficulty has dropped significantly.”

“That’s true.”

It’s hard to know the Foundation’s intentions, but fighting in an open clearing instead of a heavily fortified facility is some comfort.

“That must be the one. The Foundation’s ability user who killed Blue Rose-12. The Pygmalion Series.”

“I’ll handle Pygmalion. Spring, you retrieve the artifact you were looking for.”

Black swung his sword.

Though not many use it, this is one of the Foundation’s standard weapons. The Pygmalion unit probably wields a similar sword.

Even if they’re Foundation employees, they rarely engage in sword fights. But today, two swordsmen stood on the same battlefield.

Pygmalion.

A Foundation soldier wearing a Foundation helmet and combat uniform pointed his sword at Black. The gray camouflage of the Foundation uniform blended with the interior of the abandoned factory, making him look like a chameleon.

“Your opponent is me.”

Inside the abandoned factory is the opponent.

The terrain advantage lies with Pygmalion, but to retrieve the artifact, they must enter the factory. Plus, a light tank is waiting somewhere outside.

I don’t know where it went, but the possibility of being shredded by machine gun fire while standing outside can’t be ruled out. There might be a sniper nearby.

Though the terrain advantage is theirs, the first move goes to Black. Even at a disadvantage, they must attack.

Black charged.

Bulletproof helmet, gas mask, face shield. The Pygmalion unit was fully covered, making it hard to discern even their gender, let alone their expression. Judging by height, it might be female.

But their posture and gaze hinted at their personality. Arrogant composure and a condescending gaze. Like a wolf looking down on sheep.

This charge was imbued with supernatural power. The Blue Rose unit moved much faster than a human body could, and Nanami parried Black’s sword.

****

Why does Nanami use a sword?

There are many reasons, but the simplest answer is this: Guns can’t cut warships. But Nanami’s sword can.

Cutting a warship is an exaggeration, but I’ve seen her cut tanks with her sword. No gun can match that firepower.

But can’t someone with a gun beat Nanami? Not really. Personal firearms can’t penetrate her protective gear.

You’d need an anti-materiel rifle or anti-tank weapon to kill her, but those aren’t exactly portable.

The sword fight was more spectacular than expected.

Sparks and something like sword energy flew everywhere. I wish I could help, but with the target moving so fast…

Besides, are they even seeing each other with those gas masks? Or are they just swinging blindly until the swords clash?

This is the first time I’ve seen Nanami fight someone properly. Usually, they’re sliced and diced in one or two moves.

I looked around.

Mimics and Clockwork Dolls were searching the factory. It didn’t seem like the swordsman was controlling them.

Someone else must be directing the search. Of course, there’s no guarantee that person is nearby. But they’re probably here. They have drones, communication equipment. If they don’t have money, they’d have to come and see for themselves.

I took cover on the second floor of the factory and clapped my hands to summon a few Popos.

“Find the person controlling the dolls.”

The Popos scattered into the factory.

I thought some more. Bullets don’t work well on Clockwork Devices. Popos can’t bite through them. How should we deal with them?

First, let’s focus on finding the target.

****

Abandoned factory.

After fighting the Clockwork Dragon here last time, we sealed off the area and processed the wreckage. It’s definitely a Foundation-controlled zone.

We chose this as the battlefield because civilians can’t enter.

[Director! The pursuit slaughterer drone has arrived at the scene. Searching now.]

Did they really have to give it such a gruesome name? But I felt relieved. Even if they’re a hostile group, they’re just a terrorist cell.

They won’t have equipment to counter drones.

[Uh, a truck. Something is coming out of the wrecked truck—a large hostile entity is moving toward the factory. Director, get ready.]

“……”

I told the light tank to retreat for nothing.

But I can’t exactly tell the light tank to enter the factory. I looked inside. What kind of hostile entity is it?

What is that now?

A spider-like monster made of metal was entering the factory. The spider’s body had what looked like the remains of a truck engine attached.

The spider looked around as if searching for something. What else would it be looking for but the artifact? Though I wonder where they keep making these strange monsters, I’m past being surprised.

Clockwork-type supernatural phenomena are straightforward. They’re mostly what you see is what you get. That thing is probably just a Clockwork Spider.

The spider climbed the outer wall, and I ran. Cognitive disasters target humans. That monster might see me. Until Nanami finishes her fight, I’ll have to deal with the others.

****

Nanami pointed the tip of her Uncheolseok Greatsword at her opponent. A worthy adversary after a long time. No, her strength might surpass Nanami’s.

The Pygmalion Series, though enhanced, are still human. Meanwhile, the Blue Rose Series, despite individual strength variations, are beings created from divine materials.

This will just prolong the fight. The two gazes met through gas masks, and both paused to maintain maximum vigilance.

“Creation. Why do you fight for the Foundation? The Foundation doesn’t recognize your value, only hides and tries to erase you from the world.”

Reality rippled behind Black. Nanami saw it. Behind Black, black tentacles flapped like angel wings.

“What has the Foundation done for you? How about cutting down your oppressors, breaking your cage, and fighting for a world where you can be free?”

Nanami adjusted her grip on her sword.