Chapter 199

The invaders’ terrestrial stronghold, constructed from iron and metal, was an architectural style far removed from that of Earth.

An ominous red light incessantly flickered, and within the large dome-shaped building at the center of the fortress, the thoughts of the high-level processing unit, K1, flowed in.

Centered around K1 were five chairs for the first-generation commanders.

Contrary to before, holograms identical to K1 were positioned in those seats.

[Is everyone here now? Let’s confirm the information.]

In response to the cylindrical-faced robot’s statement, a smooth-skinned robot with a feminine silhouette replied.

[Then I shall begin. The alien enemy is attacking us almost everywhere.]

[Hmm, a large-scale attack.]

The reply came from a robot with a radiator fan on its face.

[That’s right, we’re not just aimlessly floating around in space like we used to.]

[There’s no need to worry! If they launch an offensive, we just need to fight them head-on!]

The confident response came from Eisen Lier.

However, after hearing this answer, K1 interjected.

[Opinion acknowledged. But I oppose Eisen Lier’s direct involvement.]

[Why is that?]

[The alien attack isn’t a major issue. What needs to be addressed first is the bug problem. Eisen Lier, I have a task for you in this regard.]

[Ho? Intriguing. But aren’t you underestimating the alien threat?]

While tapping a protruding palm plate on his chin, Eisen Lier responded.

[Absolutely not, verification sought from all.]

K1’s hologram spread its arms, and within its projections, a dark crimson cube appeared.

[Ho, so that’s it.]

-A signal of surprise with flickering lights.

[I see!]

The tone of voice, filled with astonishment, carried no trace of doubt.

[A Chrono Switch, something not easily obtainable, even for a high-level processing unit like yourself?]

[Affirmative, but it has been deemed necessary to defeat the unknown bug.]

[An important decision has been made.]

At the words of the cylindrical-faced robot, K1 nodded with agreement.

After nodding and listening, Eisen Lier continued.

[Very well, then I can’t refuse your instruction. What do you want me to do?]

[This attack seems odd no matter how I think about it. Therefore, I plan to infiltrate the enemy’s ranks for investigation.]

[Infiltration? Isn’t someone else among the commanders a better candidate for this task? Their ships are floating in space, so someone like AbyssMother in cooperation with – ]

[That’s not the case. Depending on the situation, force might be necessary, and for that, the assistance of Eisen Lier will be required. Moreover, the entity we are infiltrating this time is not the alien forces.]

Interrupting Eisen Lier’s words mid-sentence, K1 replied.

Even though it might be considered rude, Eisen Lier showed no anger but instead revealed surprise and interest.

[Not them, you say? Then, are you suggesting infiltration among the humans?]

[Affirmative. For this purpose, I have modified a few small bodies created in an ancient human habitation site.]

[Ho, you’ve already prepared that much. If that’s the case, there will be no problem. I gladly accept the cooperation.]

Nodding, Eisen Lier followed suit, with a slight nod from K1.

[Understood, and there’s also a request to the other commanders.]

[Do tell.]

[Preparations to neutralize part of the approaching enemy fleet and infiltrate their internal communication network would be appreciated.]

[The communication network? Don’t you intend to gather information on the alien forces as well?]

[Affirmative, merging the alien forces’ information with human data to reach a conclusion would be the most rational approach.]

[Indeed. Whether it’s possible or not remains unclear, but if successful, reliable information can be obtained.]

While nodding in agreement to the words of the robot with the radiator fan, the cylindrical-faced robot affirmed.

[Then the two of you will work together while we deal with the alien forces.]

[Agreed.]

-…(an affirmative signal of light.)

[Understood.]

….

“Then we must focus more on securing provisions from here on out.”

“Yes, we must also ascertain their exact ecological traits.”

“Can’t we just leave that to Vanessa, and that…perverted kid?”

“Perverted kid?”

“There’s one like that.”

At her gaze towards us, memories of Edward popped into my mind—it couldn’t possibly be coincidence.

“Hmm?”

Freya tilted her head.

“But raising a Cryptid horde…I heard you’re a Queen now, Seol, but I didn’t expect it to come to this.”

“Yes. While I have some qualms about utilizing children…”

Nervously glancing at Banetta, Seol raised her hand abruptly.

“I’m okay!!”

“Hm?”

“Seol! Would you like to help the mothers and others!?”

Seol grinned and replied.

That sincere offer of goodwill filled both Banetta and Freya with gentle smiles as they stared at Seol.

“Thank you.”

“Thanks, Seol.”

“Hehe.”

Seol beamed with a bright smile.

Just then, a hurried sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway, followed by a knock on the Commander’s Office door.

– Commander! You should probably check out the situation at the headquarters.

“What’s happened?”

– Some out-of-it Alien claims he’s human and is coming this way on a transport ship!

“What? An alien?”

For some unknown reason, everyone’s eyes turned towards me.

Shaking my head to indicate it had nothing to do with me, the Commander and Freya got up.

“We should check it out. Would you like to join us, Edu?”

“Yes. Nisia, could I ask you to take care of Seol and Ryong? Alternatively, we could head back to Jason if preferred.”

“Shall we? What do you guys think?”

“I’ll wait here with small mom!”

“…”

Seol raised her hand in response, and Ryong tightly clung to my collar.

Patting his head, I reassured him softly.

“I’ll be back in no time, Ryong, alright?”

“…”

After staring at me with bulging eyes, Ryong slowly let go. Through his unwavering gaze, I could sense a request for a quick return.

Patting his head gently one more time,

“Ah! Ryong only!”

Shouting, Seol rushed over.

I made sure to pat her head thoroughly before she finally stepped back.

“Then, Edu, I’ll carry you.”

“Ah, yes. I apologize for the trouble.”

Fusing onto Freya’s back, we headed to the command center.

“Commander, Director, Colonel Edu is also here. Everyone, please come this way.”

A young man, the Vice Commander, greeted us. Though we hadn’t directly conversed, we’d exchanged formalities on a few occasions as we frequented the forward base and met with Freya.

“So, an alien transport ship is approaching, right?”

“Correct, please look at the screen.”

Following the Vice Commander’s gesture, our group turned towards the large screen at the forefront of the command center.

Visible against a backdrop of barren wasteland divided by a blue sky was a golden spaceship heading this way.

“Hmm. Edu, do you know what kind of ship that is?”

“An L-class amphibious assault craft. It’s an old ship, but it is a transport vessel.”

“Is that so? That means they’re not lying… Can we communicate with the ship?”

“It’s possible, should I connect?”

At Vice Commander’s question, Freya nodded in affirmation.

“Establish communication with the transport vessel.”

“Yes, sir. Please wait a moment.”

The communication soldiers moved briskly.

Soon after, the image of the ship was replaced on the screen by an alien, whose appearance included an unappealing turquoise skin tone and a single large eye.

[Look, I’m really human, I tell you!! Don’t shoot!!]

“Pipe down, alien. We’ll ask the questions here.”

[Yes, sir. That’ll work.]

The alien was surprisingly compliant.

Both Freya and the Commander turned their gaze towards me, silently asking if I recognized him.

Shaking my head as a sign of no recognition, I suddenly felt a gaze on my cheek.

Refocusing on the screen, the alien was staring directly at me.

[Hmm? That face…no, it couldn’t possibly be??]

Muttering to himself, the alien hesitantly asked,

[There, Miss, have you ever heard of the phrase ‘Age of End’?]

“Huh?”

Age of End, abbreviated as AOE.

The name of the game from which I obtained knowledge about this world was now being spoken by the alien, causing an automatic reaction.

“How do you…”

[It checks out! Hey, Jung Eun-woo! It’s me, me! Bogeoni!]

“Huh? Bogeoni?”

[Yeah! I’m the Info Expert!]

“Info Expert…”

A name of a friend from Earth I was familiar with.

But hearing that name from an alien gave me a jolt, as if I’d been slapped across the head.

“…Eh? You claim to be Bogeoni?”

[That’s right! Good to see you, buddy!!]

…

At the entrance to the forward base.

Two elegant-faced automata surveyed the base from the top of a hill.

Their voluptuous figures were notable, but more striking was what they wore.

Dressed in maid outfits that were completely out of place against the barren wasteland, the automaton with blue hair turned her head and looked at the one with yellow hair.

[Is this really appropriate attire?]

[Affirmative. According to earlier research data, these outfits are the most unexpected and surprising disguises. No need to worry.]

A solution combining their robotic nature with the justification of armed protection for their master.

Armed maids.

Upon learning of this forbidden knowledge, K1 was self-assured.

[Tch… Humans are truly incomprehensible.]

[Affirmative. However, as it is our mission, there’s no need to question it deeply. Now, I’ll modify the voice module and attempt entry.]

[Do so.]

After manipulating the back of their necks, both maids confidently strolled toward the entrance of the forward base.

“Hey? Stop right there! Who are you!?”

The guards pointed their guns at them and shouted.

“Calm down, as you can see, we’re just ordinary maids. We happened to reach here while wandering aimlessly after losing our way.”

“Huh? A lost maid…?”

“That’s right. Can we go and look for our master?”

The soldier turned to the senior guard for guidance.

With a gentle smile, the senior guard pointed behind him.

Satisfied, K1 smiled at the success of the ruse.

– Truly dimwitted humans, falling for such a disguise…

“Bake them like bread.”

“Wha, huh?”

“Would you see roaming maids in this wasteland? You’re ruffians! This is Gate 3!! We’ll take two raised hands into custody!”

“Wait, please! We’re harmless maids!”

“That’s right! Please believe us!”

“Ah, ah.”

No matter how loudly they pleaded and cried, they were ignored.

Eisen Lier and K1 were subsequently detained and imprisoned in the brig.