Chapter 203

Ocean, sea.

A unique place characterized by a terrain that divides the Earth with continents, filled entirely with saltwater.

Due to its contrasting features with land and its vast area, occupying 70% of the Earth’s surface, the ocean was a significant factor in world history.

“Rebuilding the navy! But isn’t it difficult to rebuild the navy with just a surviving fleet?”

A middle-aged tank commander, exuding a strong vibe while dressed in punk style with a large build and muscles.

Contrary to the strong appearance he projects, the pupils of his eyes are remarkably innocent.

“That’s not entirely true; it’s said that a pile of dust can create a mountain, so if we gather all the remaining naval forces, the numbers should add up.”

“If we’re talking about all the remaining naval forces, then there are other naval powers aside from them, right?”

The response of a female walker commander reminds one of a capable secretary, as hard and well-tempered as steel.

The medals emblazoned across her neat attire indicate how seasoned of a commander she is.

“That’s right; there are about three notable ones.”

She raises her hand.

With three fingers raised, she continues to speak.

“First is the Northern Fleet, a remnant fleet from Russia, then there’s the NATO Allied Maritime Force that retreated to southern Africa, and finally the Asia-Pacific Fleet formed by the merging of the U.S. Navy and the remaining Asian fleets.”

“Oh!”

“Is that so…”

The commanders each show different reactions.

At that moment, a familiar voice comes from behind.

“Edu.”

“Clarissa? What’s up?”

“I have no intention of discriminating based on origins, but I heard that people from Russia have never belonged to the Human Liberation Army. Can we really convince them?”

“Leave it to me; I have a plan.”

Generally, persuading people is a challenging task.

However, if you already know what the other party lacks and can provide that, the story changes.

And I already know what the Northern Fleet lacks.

“Then should I remember that they will move from Russia to Europe and finally towards the Pacific?”

A middle-aged male commander, impressive with his gentle smile and gentlemanly demeanor, asks.

Judging by the emblem on his uniform, he seems to be the head of the fighter squadron.

“I think that’s how it will go, unless something unexpected happens.”

“In that case, it would be wise to prepare for naval combat with the weaponry we have, is that alright?”

“Yes, please.”

The commanders nod in agreement.

At that moment, a hiss sounds, and Mr. Balder’s voice comes from the internal speakers of the Argonaut.

[ The captain broadcasts from the command bridge, the captain broadcasts from the command bridge. This ship is scheduled to arrive at the destination in 10 minutes. All personnel should prepare for this. Once more—]

A broadcast signaling the end of the meeting.

“Then let’s all do our best together.”

“““Yes!”””

The group heads back to the command bridge.

“Brigadier General, was the meeting successful?”

Mr. Balder greets us on the command bridge.

“Yes, how is the current situation?”

“It’s going smoothly; as you expected, the Invaders have retreated to the sea and seem to be fighting against the Ustansha Empire there.”

“That’s good.”

The Invaders, having lost both the Black Sky and the Megabase.

Though the loss of power is significant, the only option they have to effectively counter the Ustansha Empire attacking with its fleet is limited.

It is common sense that large weapons should face off against large weapons.

They didn’t hastily build battleships during the age of huge artillery and churn out nuclear missiles during the nuclear arms race for no reason.

“Yes, I believe we will start receiving reports soon…”

“Captain, we’re receiving a communication.”

It seems that the saying ‘talk about a tiger and the tiger appears’ holds true as the communication comes in just in time.

“Is it the Northern Fleet?”

“I can’t specify for sure, but I believe the chances are highest that it is them.”

“Great, connect us.”

“Yes.”

The opponent appears on the command bridge screen.

A worn-out, faded green long coat parts, revealing a dark gray uniform typically worn by generals, with a badge and golden decorations seen below the chest area.

An elderly man with a small stature completely covered in white hair.

However, his eyes glimmer sharply, radiating an unusual atmosphere.

[ …This is the Northern Fleet of the Russian Federation, addressing an unidentified airship. Identify yourself. ]

“This is the Argonaut, belonging to the Human Liberation Army. We have come to seek cooperation with the Northern Fleet.”

[ Hmm…? ]

The elderly man’s eyebrows twitch.

[ Is this voice, a child? ]

At my response, the old man’s tone quickly softens.

Though slightly hesitant, I decide to affirm, as indeed, my outer appearance resembles that of a child.

“Yes.”

[ Oh my, is the situation of my compatriots so urgent that a child must step onto the battlefield… ]

“That’s not the case.”

[ Not the case? Then why are you here? ]

“Because there are things I must do.”

[ …. ]

The elderly commander examines my face closely.

Whether he read my sincerity through that gaze, the old man’s head nods slowly.

[ I don’t know what the situation is, but it seems you’re not lying. However, I can’t blindly trust you upon first meeting, so can we leave the ship there and talk separately? If you need a ride, I can send a vehicle. ]

“It’s fine, we have a small aircraft, so we will take that to come to you.”

[ Alright, then I will keep the landing area in the base clear and wait. ]

A friendly ended conversation.

Once again realizing that anyone who treats children roughly is a villain, I turn to Mr. Balder.

“Then, Mr. Balder, I will go with Bungbungi.”

“Eh? Isn’t it dangerous to take Bungbungi to such a place? It’s not that I don’t trust your judgement, Brigadier General, but that seems like a too reckless action.”

“That’s why I need to go with Bungbungi.”

“???”

Smiling as I respond, Mr. Balder tilts his head in confusion.

Hehe, it’s time to return as the frail girl Edu!

….

The shuttle crosses the white snowfield.

As I sit on Bungbungi and look out of the window, the vast base comes into view through the blizzard.

A unique facility where a military base merges with a city.

As we move further into the city, I notice an empty space between the runways filled with armored vehicles and tanks.

‘It looks like they are using old tanks and armored vehicles as barricades to obstruct enemy landings.’

While thinking that, we land the shuttle.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“Not at all, please be careful out there!”

“Yes, Bungbungi, let’s disembark.”

[ Beep! /⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝]

Bungbungi hops down from the shuttle.

“Ooof.”

As soon as I step outside, a fierce snowstorm blows towards my face, and I unwittingly raise both hands to cover my mouth and nose.

People approach us from that direction.

Soldiers fully armed with thick fur coats and rifles over their military uniforms.

“Um… The visitor the Chief spoke of—”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“….”

The squad leader seems taken aback, staring blankly at me.

“What is it?”

“Is she really a child?”

As the soldiers start murmuring amongst themselves, the squad leader recovers his senses and speaks again.

“Ah, allow me to guide you. Please follow me.”

“Yes, Bungbungi.”

[ Beep! /⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝]

Following the squad leader inside the base.

“She’s just a child?”

“My word, how did she end up like that…?”

Many people express shock or tear up with pity while looking at me.

Hmm, I had planned to use the guise of a frail child to communicate easily, but it seems to be more effective than expected, and my conscience pricks.

“Here we are.”

“Ah, thank you.”

“…No problem, then.”

The squad leader slightly bows his head in respect and retreats.

As I enter through the open door, all eyes turn towards me from the people seated at the rectangular table.

Most of them are seasoned commanders, composed of middle-aged and elderly individuals.

“Wow.”

“She really is a child, isn’t she?”

I hear those words, albeit quietly, and perceive pity and regret in their gazes.

“Hello.”

“Ah, welcome. Please take a seat.”

The elderly commander I saw earlier on the screen points to an empty chair at the center of the table.

“Ah, I’m a bit uncomfortable, so would it be alright if I sit here instead?”

The atmosphere changes drastically.

“Hmph…”

“Hmm…”

People fidget, clenching their hands tightly or groaning discontentedly as they glance around.

“…I was lacking in consideration. Then we shall talk from that position.”

“…This way.”

As he said that, a bald general who was seated next to the empty chair pulls it aside for me.

“Ah, thank you. Bungbungi?”

[ Beep! /⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝]

Bungbungi smoothly moves over and settles next to the table.

Once again, everyone’s attention focuses on me.

“Then first, allow me to introduce myself. I am Dimitri, commander of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Federation.”

“I am Edu Nimbusday, fleet commander of the Human Liberation Army.”

“Oh.”

“The Human Liberation Army…”

Perhaps it was due to the unexpected name, the generals show surprise.

“Indeed, you came seeking collaboration with the Northern Fleet?”

“Yes, we need your strength.”

“I understand what you mean, but all that remains here are rusted and worn-out ships, thousands of refugees, and defeated soldiers. I suspect we won’t be much help.”

“You don’t need to demean yourselves; certainly, some ships have been damaged, but you’ve still managed to maintain most of your fleet in operational condition, haven’t you?”

At my response, Dimitri widens his eyes.

“…Did you know that? It seems you are no ordinary child. But why do you need our strength?”

“To rebuild the Human Liberation Army and reclaim the sea, your experienced seafarers’ help is crucial.”

The generals gasp in shock.

Only Dimitri stares at me with a calm gaze before slowly speaking.

“…To reclaim the sea? Do you truly believe that is possible?”

“Yes, showing is far faster than telling, so would you watch this?”

“What is it?”

“You’ll see. ID, play the video.”

[ Code verification, beginning video playback. ]

A holographic video appears on the table.

As the generals witness it, their eyes grow wide, and even Dimitri, who had been maintaining a calm demeanor, shows his surprise.

A Titan’s strike is unleashed.

A moment later, a massive fortress in the shape of a square pyramid collapses.

“This is… the Megabase, isn’t it?”

“That’s correct. We won in the past. The Megabase no longer exists on land.”

“Oh… Ohhh!”

“That nightmare!”

The amazed generals react, when suddenly someone raises a hand, gathering their attention.

A middle-aged man with a thin frame and monocle, bearing a cautious expression.

“Please hold on a moment. No matter how great the story is, it seems too far-fetched. I don’t think the child is lying, but we should be cautious in verifying the truth.”

Several generals nod in agreement to his prudence.

However, I had anticipated such a response.

“I thought you might say that, so I wanted to show one more thing. Is there a suitably large space within the facility that can’t be observed from outside?”

“A large space that can’t be seen from outside?”

“We do have an underground arsenal…”

“Then let’s all go there, can you guide us?”

As they hesitate, Dimitri nods, prompting the generals to rise from their seats.

I follow their lead into the underground arsenal.

Made of concrete and iron, it’s old and rusty, but retains its shape.

“Is this the place, what will you show us?”

“You’ll understand if you watch as I showed you earlier.”

“???”

I shout out loud, turning to face the generals and Dimitri behind me.

“Collection release!”

A brilliant white light instantly fills the arsenal.

As the light fades, a black body emerges, and the sensors that had been off flicker with a blue glow.

The legion of steel that follows me.

“This, this is…!?”

“The Invaders!?”

“Yes, they are the Invaders. Now, they follow me.”

Saying that, I tap on the stout black armor.

[ ST-05 Clarent is operational. Please give your orders, Commander. ]

“Whoa…!”

“Haha…”

The generals express awe and surprise while some smile awkwardly.

Dimitri speaks slowly.

“All of these troops follow you?”

“To be honest, this is just a part of them.”

“Are there so many more…?”

“Yes.”

Dimitri falls silent for a moment.

“Alright, I see that you possess an extraordinary power. It seems correct that you defeated the Megabase. But we are soldiers of the Russian Federation; we have a duty to protect the remaining citizens.”

“Don’t worry; I’m actually planning to transport the refugees here onto my ship and relocate them to the Fangju.”

“To the Fangju?”

“Yes, preparations for that are already well underway.”

“….”

Dimitri ponders again.

At that moment, the generals raise their voices.

“Commander, what are you pondering so deeply? If you can move the citizens to the Fangju, can’t we do anything about it?”

“That’s right, if a girl like her is fighting, shouldn’t we do something?”

“I agree with that sentiment!”

The generals, igniting their enthusiasm.

Upon hearing their remarks, Dimitri ends his thoughts and slowly reaches out to me.

“Very well, it seems there’s no future in sticking around here any longer. I will believe Edu’s words.”

“Yes! You won’t regret it!”