Block all entrances and exits as instructed!
Cover weak spots with extra personnel. Don't give the enemy a single opening.
On it!
Entrusting tactical positioning to you, Commandant, was clearly the right call... We Forest Guards aren't accustomed to urban combat.
When there's an opportunity, I should visit Babylonia to improve my tactical leadership.
Report: Signal array installation complete. City-wide communications are now uninterrupted.
A series of relay stations. The Arctic's magnetic field is far more chaotic than other regions; we deploy these wherever signal reception drops.
It could also be deliberate jamming. Commandant, you recall when we lost contact with Dark Aries earlier? That was likely artificial interference.
Then let's establish the link immediately. We must confirm our next move as soon as possible.
Understood. Establishing connection now.
Given our earlier loss of contact with Dark Aries, your concern is understandable, Commandant.
Scout, can you connect now?
Affirmative. In fact, they've just sent a connection request as well.
Following the instructions, the scout sets the briefcase down in the snow. Its lid opens automatically, a metal antenna extends, and a pale blue hologram glows to life, cutting cleanly through the snowy mist.
Data streams flicker and swirl for a moment before resolving into the forms of Simon, Mina, Diana, and Lee—the core command, present at every front.
We're managing with minimal casualties. We can still fight. If the enemy would kindly "go easy on us."
Yeah, right. Like that's gonna happen.
I reviewed the scouts' briefing before joining. The battle is proceeding favorably, and Commandant and I have made an unexpected discovery.
Hmph! You Babylonians are the ones with nerve. When did you start planting spies here? Wait, does the former Union even count as us?
I guess it does?
I reviewed the scouts' briefing before joining. The battle is proceeding favorably, and Commandant and I have made an unexpected discovery.
Long time, [player name]. No, I'm not physically back. The Corrupted are scattered across the region, and I'm clearing threats.
But I'm on a break now, so I linked in to check on everyone.
I reviewed the scouts' briefing before joining. The battle is proceeding favorably, and Commandant and I have made an unexpected discovery.
Unexpected...?
The bionic whale pod. After defeating Dulova, one of the Warlords, we recovered devices capable of recalling them. With proper guidance, the whales could become a significant asset in this war.
...I was under the impression there was no way to bring the pod back.
Which is why I've been telling those old-timers at the other ports to fund more tech excavation. Everything's been a mess since the last Chief Captain died. Sigh, what a disaster.
But won't the enemy use those devices as well? The whales would be viable combat power for them, too. How do we ensure recalled whales fight on our side?
Bionic whales are basically big, good-hearted fish. If we fit them with anti-Amalgamation modules, I'm confident they'll side with us.
Our rear support team, naturally. We can't pull personnel from your frontline.
We're stretched thin as it is. Any fewer troops and this war's good as lost.
Since I've got the floor, update on Rosetta's frame. We've made contact with Asimov, Babylonia's Chief Technician, but we still haven't found a way to fully activate it.
I'll take over the explanation from here.
Hey!
Asimov's image abruptly cuts in, displacing Mina's projection to the edge of the screen.
Malkuth's design is... unique. Its creator implemented no activation protocols. It is, effectively, a machine without a power button.
We're still investigating. However, I must clarify: it's not that we lack leads. Full activation is linked to M.I.N.D. stability, but the required threshold... Let's just say it's currently unattainable.
Close to ten thousand percent.
What?
At Asimov's absurd—almost comical—words, every jaw hangs open in stunned disbelief.
I've had my assistant re-run all calculations. Theoretically, either the formula is wrong, or I am.
But there's also the chance it's actually correct, isn't there?
Asimov nods, and the room falls instantly silent. If this conclusion is correct, it means everyone here is attempting the impossible.
It's better than being told it's outright impossible. This is the best outcome we could hope for. Now, we continue preparing. We continue fighting.
Proceed at your own pace. I will handle the technical side. If the manuscript's calculations prove accurate, this frame could be the decisive factor in ending this war.
Asimov is referring to the report's section on Malkuth's output capacity, but the figures are so extreme they strain credulity.
If we're done discussing the frame, perhaps we should return our attention to the battlefield. Has anyone else noticed the Corrupted seem... endless?
According to Antonov and his team, this district was once the central industrial zone of Sophiasburgh. There are quite a few production lines beneath us.
Right, and we've already sent out scouts... Elevators to lower levels appear every few blocks. New Corrupted emerge from them at regular intervals.
They're consuming and producing simultaneously. Commandant, it seems our enemy has already decided our next tactical move for us.
Correct. Until we understand the full extent of enemy resources, striking their supply lines is our most effective course of action.
No objections. I'll coordinate our field teams to hit these targets.
I'm stretched thin here. To maintain our own supply lines, we won't be able to join this operation.
I'll oversee the anti-Amalgamation modules for the whales and keep working with Asimov on Malkuth's activation.
Rosetta, the rest of the Forest Guards and I will return as soon as our support mission is complete. Be careful until then.
With the plans laid out, Rosetta turns. Her gaze finds you.
It seems the war is entering its next phase... I took command last time, Commandant. How about you lead this one?
I believe everyone here would like to hear the order from you directly.
This is part of Rosetta's consideration for troop morale. In that case, the move should be—
On it!
