Chapter 202

A barren wasteland near the Forward Base.

An insignificant object passes through a featureless expanse, one that consequently escapes the eyes of men.

The silhouette of a crude arachnid, with spindly legs that mock a more natural design, yet constructed from steel and mechanical components. This metallic spider wriggles its way into artificial fissures in the ground, moving with a sense of purpose.

Moments later, two female-form Automatons rise from the sand.

Though they stood exposed in their nude forms, without so much as a single thread covering them, their movements were professional and methodical as they scanned around.

“Hull structure intact, visual modules synchronizing… 100%. Realigning auditory and olfactory systems.”

“Initiating self-diagnosis… one irregularity detected. Elevated temperature in certain sections of the body confirmed, activating cooling systems.”

The rapid sequence of checks and balances.

Once fully verified, their eyes lit up, and the two female robots slowly stood to their full height.

“Good call on preparing the spare bodies.”

“You’re right.”

“Still, why did this happen? Didn’t we conduct a thorough reconnaissance beforehand?”

At Eisen Lier’s question from inside the automaton with blue hair, K1 inside the other automaton with blonde hair turns her gaze toward him.

“I don’t know, we should have been able to infiltrate without any significant issues…”

K1’s head bows in thought, though in truth she kept her worries internal. While their current situation troubled her greatly, she couldn’t quite place the cause.

– Why did it fail?

Even with a limited amount of resources and time, they had sifted through reasonable information and prepared as much as possible for the operation.

However, the plan failed so comprehensively it was as if it had never been taken seriously by the enemy.

Of course, there weren’t any guarantees that the operation would be without risks.

Because the mission had been rushed, they hadn’t been able to conduct a thorough investigation. The information they did procure came from old human networks long-abandoned by the current populace.

Thus, it was possible that human life had greatly changed from that depicted in information from ancient times.

But even considering these possibilities, the stance of the enemy’s guards had been unusually firm.

– …

Perhaps their thought processes were too limited to reach a conclusive answer.

“Still no answers from thinking?”

“…That’s right.”

“Then maybe we’ve missed something important? For instance, human emotions or common sense that the plan didn’t consider?”

“That’s unlikely. The data supporting this plan were gathered from the wisdom and specialists in the human information network. We wouldn’t call those acting against emotions or common sense ‘experts’, would we?”

“That does make sense.”

K1 dismisses the idea, and Eisen Lier agrees.

“Moreover, the data was obtained from one of the most active locales during that period. That place wouldn’t have inaccurate information.”

K1 continues, receiving a nod of agreement from Eisen Lier.

However, they were unaware. Unbeknownst to them, many internet users claiming to be experts actually included a high number of liars, and the network of humans was not rationally structured like the invaders’ information system.

The internet is filled with a chaotic mix of truths and falsehoods, joke information, and unique cultures.

The internet system’s resemblance to the invaders’ network combined with their own perceived common knowledge led to a massive misunderstanding.

Websites like JunkWiki, World Inside, Reddit, MickyPedia, and others – they had gathered information from widely used but unreliable platforms. So why did such an unexpected result happen?

“Hm, it’s really strange.”

“Isn’t it?”

As the two robots pondered this question, a large ship with a flattened square pyramid shape ascended into the sky above the Forward Base.

“Is that… a warship?”

“I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Red flames shoot out of the engine as the vessel rapidly ascends and vanishes into the horizon.

“…Let’s approach from a different entrance for now.”

“A different entrance?”

“That’s right. Humans have strange powers, don’t they? Surely the guards must have had some kind of special abilities. There’s no other way our plan could have been detected.”

K1 proudly hypothesizes with a straightened posture.

“That might be true, let’s go!”

Nodding, the two robots quickly change their attire.

Dressed as maids, K1 and Eisen Lier approach another gate.

“Hello, we-”

“Captain! Those are…”

“It’s those strange maids! Arrest them!!”

Guards sprint towards the two automatons.

Within K1’s mind, an emotional module reacts on its own.

– Why are we being seen through?!

…

The Command Bridge of the Argonaut.

With the merging of the Iason, the bridge functions similarly to before, but the people around me were different from the past.

“Ugh…”

Sita couldn’t stay still, looking around anxiously.

Mili, wearing a black uniform beside her, appeared calm on the surface, but upon closer inspection revealed signs of tension.

“What’s wrong with you both?”

“I’m wondering if this is okay…”

“Um, uh… Sister, are you sure this is really alright?”

Stammering as she asks questions, Mili’s voice betrays her concern.

Both their hands instinctively move to their chests.

Sita displays a gold, clenched-fist badge marking her as a colonel, and a similar silver badge indicates Mili as a lieutenant colonel.

“Ah, that? Someone needed to do this job, didn’t they? Besides, it’s impossible for assistant captains and infantry commanders to always remain as privates, right?”

“But, ah…”

“Ah, aww…”

“It’s okay, both of you can surely handle it. And there are automata to assist you too, aren’t there?”

I look around the bridge.

Beautiful-faced automatons have replaced our human friends, manning their respective stations.

Because of them, the newly constructed Argonaut was able to enter its mission phase immediately.

I recall a conversation I had two days ago with Ms. Banetta.

“Err… Is it fine to proceed without training?”

“Don’t worry, we’ve got Iason’s AI, and the automata have been prepared after learning all of the vessel’s systems.”

“Automata?”

“Yeah, until the soldiers get used to the ship, we’ll operate primarily through the automata. Once the soldiers become familiar with the systems, we can rotate duties.”

“I see.”

Anxiety melts away from a fully sensible explanation.

“And also…”

“Symbolic value? Does that mean using automata or automatons as soldiers?”

“Exactly. Even if it’s unavoidable, it’s hard for people’s perceptions and thoughts to change quickly, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

Despite their resemblance to invaders, these human-created robots were often met with suspicion.

Because of this, using automata or automatons in combat was often regarded as taboo or an unwritten rule.

“So by achieving good results with automata in the well-known and closely watched unit of Edul, we hope to alleviate the unease among soldiers and officers.”

“That sounds like a good idea.”

“Right? Edul should continue to take down the enemies as usual, and the elders will handle the rest.”

“Alright.”

For these reasons, on our vessel Argonaut, we had many more automata than human soldiers.

Automata move about our Argonaut, assisting those in need, manning fixed positions, propelling the vessel, and educating the crew members. They are our newfound companions.

“Therefore, no need to worry too much, and if anything feels too difficult, feel free to let me know.”

I stretch out my hand and motion for them to approach.

Hesitant, Mili and Sita come closer to me.

As I lift my hand to gently stroke their heads, I see some of the tightness in their expressions loosen.

“Small mom! Me too!”

Seol runs up and offers her head.

“Alright.”

As I extend my left hand and stroke her head, Seol giggles happily with a broad smile.

Watching from my feet, Ryong scrambles up on my knee with little effort.

The adorable weight settles onto my lap.

“So smoothly, isn’t it?”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

I turn to see Bogeoni on the other side, wiping away tears.

“The rising heat! Despite words of denial, the end of the Arctic is near!”

“That’s not what’s happening, though?”

“Sister, the end of the Arctic?”

“… Ignore that idiot.”

“Ah, right.”

At my words, Sita nods immediately.

With a small sigh, Nisia approaches.

“Anyway, Edul, what’s next?”

“I was just about to explain that. Let’s head to the conference room, all of you.”

“Conference room?”

“Right.”

Stepping out from the command bridge momentarily, we head to the conference room together.

When we walk into the room, all subordinated officers rise from their seats and salute.

“Hello everyone.”

“““Hello, Colonel!”””

I wave them off at the high-spirited responses.

“Now that we’re comrades-in-arms, no need for such formalities. Please, take your seats.”

“Ah, yes.”

“Understood.”

Officers glance around cautiously to take their seats.

Together with my companions, we settle into the chairs that fill the room.

Everyone’s gaze converges on me.

“First, we should revisit the main objective, which is to gather the scattered remnants of humanity and rebuild the human liberation army. You’ve already heard this from the General’s speech earlier, right?”

Nods confirm my words.

“For the rebuilding of the liberation army, we need several things, but broadly summarized, it comes down to materials and manpower. And we are taking charge of the manpower part.”

“Personnel?”

“Yes, gathering the remaining forces around different regions to fight against the enemy. That’s why we are heading to the Russian Federation.”

“The Russian Federation…? Are there any survivors there?”

“In the hidden military harbor to the north of Siberia, there remain Russia’s leftover naval forces.”

Reserves preserved under the Tundra operation before the complete collapse after the invader’s assault.

“So, we begin with the reconstruction of the navy?”

Amidst the once-divided ideologies and forces, the time has come to gather everyone under the banner of human liberation.

…