𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟕: 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠
The sea at the request site, called Light Mirror Sea, was a sea with a calm surface like a mirror, as the name suggests.
The seabed was a mixture of rocks and sand, with small fish and crustaceans swimming around. The visibility was high, allowing one to easily see a dozen meters ahead.
She handed the Warabe a underwater scooter 『Dolphin』, and she jumped into the sea from the boat.
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“You can communicate properly. . . . . .”
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It was said that they were using visible light lasers for communication, not radio waves, so there was no need to show one’s face above the sea within the range of the laser dome used for transmission and reception.
This sea was chosen because its high transparency allows communication with visible light lasers.
The problem is that the transmitter and receiver must always face each other to maintain communication, but it seems that communication can be maintained without being constrained by the orientation of the machine by using a dedicated underwater drone that plays the role of a communication hub.
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“The underwater drones are wired, isn’t it.”
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Watching the underwater drones being thrown into the sea along with it, Chihaya murmured.
Underwater environment photography and the like began.
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Chihaya tilted the hand holding the Dolphin as she controlled the Warabe.
The underwater scooter Dolphin is flat blade-shaped, and by holding it with both hands, it enables movement underwater. There are propellers at both ends of the blade, and it can transport Actanoid at about ten knots, depending on the current.
The Warabe is small, and since the water resistance is low, it seems to be able to reach a speed of more than ten knots. While measuring the maximum speed, Chihaya enjoys the scenery of the Light Mirror Sea.
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Though small fish are present, the absence of large fish caught her attention. The scattered rocks have a rugged terrain, with holes here and there where the Warabe could hide. Nocturnal large fish might be in there.
The sea is so clear. Depending on the speed of the large fish, small fish can easily escape. It’s more natural to consider them nocturnal.
Seaweed, like kelp, is swaying loosely. There were small gnawed marks on the seaweed, and it was expected that they were being used as food for small fish.
Since underwater investigation is also one of the requests, Chihaya takes a screenshot of the monitor image.
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While enjoying the graceful sea journey, a report came in that Actanoid, left on the boat, began the request.
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“――We will now begin the experiment of setting up the simulated cable.”
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One by one, underwater-equipped mechs, headed by the clan 『Unison』 formed by Unison Human-Machine Technology, enter the sea.
Several Actors with experience in underwater work also seem to be engaging in the work as instructors.
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“Simulated cable. . . . . .”
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Chihaya muttered, checking the back camera.
Mechs like the Psycholon were carrying thick cables to the seabed. It was a dummy imitating a cable for optical communication.
It means there must be a plan to develop this Light Mirror Sea into a garage and further expand it into a radio base station with optical cables.
Since confidentiality is imposed, Chihaya stops probing.
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While listening to the conversations of the Actors working, Chihaya begins to compile a report on the feeling of using Dolphin.
This Dolphin, while fast, excels in mobility, such as sharp turning to the left and right, up and down movements. It can also rotate vertically, allowing for acrobatic-like underwater swimming.
Furthermore, with Actanoid’s power, it can be held with one hand and use underwater guns and the like. The link with the mech ensures proper hit correction.
No particular problems were found. The battery also seems to last quite a long time.
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“All set, all done. . . . . .”
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Satisfactory in performance, but the price is a bit painful. Seventeen thousand dollars per unit is indeed expensive.
It’s a price that could buy an All-Rounder. Even a famous cheap light-Rounder series Band could be purchased.
Asked whether it matches one Actanoid, the underwater scooter is too limited in its use to be convincing.
The price is a challenge for the future, but this time it’s strictly a performance test. While Chihaya writes what she thought in the report, she avoids mentioning the price.
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It’s about time to begin testing the underwater timed explosive bomb 『Water Ball Explosion』, and Chihaya contacts Unison Human-Machine Technology to move a little away from the other Actanoids and the ship. It wouldn’t be a laughing matter if caught in the explosion.
While at it, Chihaya also takes footage as part of the seabed investigation and looks for a suitable target for detonation. If there’s a rock field that seems okay to be smashed, the plan was to throw it in there.
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“Where should I do it?”
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Chihaya’s mind was relaxed with this safe and worry-free task.
While moving in the Dolphin, reaching for barley tea in hand.
At that moment, Clan 『Unison』 issued a warning in voice chat.
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“Everyone, please evacuate to the ship!”
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At the desperate voice, Chihaya spills the barley tea, eyes darting between the spilled tea and the monitor.
Wondering what it is, Chihaya tilts the Dolphin and heads the Warabe toward the ship.
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Actanoids working on the seabed are pulled up onto the ship one after another by ropes. Some had underwater guns, but they weren’t aiming them.
It seems something that cannot be handled with guns is approaching.
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Nothing can be confirmed in the Warabe’s field of view, but the warning was from the Psycholon’s Actor, which could see a wide area.
ThePsycholon’s Actor reports in voice chat.
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“The reticulifier is coming!”
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From offshore, something could be seen speeding through the water.
It charged at the Actanoids evacuating to the ship, but they just barely made it up faster.
It, swimming so as to graze the ship’s bottom, changes course toward the lagging Warabe.
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“Huh?”
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Still glancing at the spilled barley tea, Chihaya’s eyes widen at the sight of the approaching creature.
It’s shaped like a razor clam, vertically long, a bivalve about two meters in length, forty centimeters wide. It has jagged, blade-like edges on its sides, and the small fish that touch it are cut in half and float to the surface.
A dangerous marine creature of the New World, the reticulifier. It takes in seawater from the intake in the front, compresses it to the fountain outlet on the opposite end, and spits it out, enabling high-speed swimming. Its swimming speed is seventy kilometers per hour, roughly thirty-eight knots.
The underwater scooter Dolphin, with a top speed of ten knots.
The reticulifier accelerates.
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“――Why?!”
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Chihaya tilts the Dolphin, turning its back to the reticulifier.
A game of tag, where being caught is certain, has begun.
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