𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗: 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧

“――Cheers!”

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New World Development Zone, a large tavern in the fourth district.

There, a launch party was being held for the Actors who had conducted the investigation of the Light Mirror Sea, sponsored by Unison Human-Machine Technology and Citro Science Group.

Yusuke Monobe, the captain of Clan Unison under Unison Human-Machine Technology, looked around the venue with Hayase Kushi, who had participated as an underwater operations instructor.

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“Looking at it like this, there’s quite a crowd.”

“Yes, indeed. Eighteen people, right? If you include the two who didn’t participate, we had twenty working. It’s almost a miracle that there were no accidents.”

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Although Hayase has a neutral face, standing like a man, speaking like a woman, and having an ambiguous voice quality, he stares sharply at the faces of the Actors in the venue.

Thinking that he seems to be a difficult person to deal with, Monobe guessed the meaning of Hayase’s gaze and spoke to him.

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“Usapyu is among those who didn’t participate.”

“Right. . . . . .”

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Looking truly disappointed, Hayase gulped down his beer, wiping the foam around his mouth with his thumb and placing the mug on the table.

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“That maneuver was shocking.”

“I agree.”

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Monobe nodded deeply, popping a fried chicken into his mouth.

He recalled the behavior of the Warabe, operated by Usapyu, impressed by its uniqueness.

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“It’s incredible. Even if it’s a Sprinter type, it doesn’t handle well in the water, and being small is its only advantage. Yet, it blew up the reticulifier.”

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The reticulifier is a dangerous creature that renders Actanoid’s weaponry useless.

At the moment the reticulifier appeared in the waters, discussions began about abandoning operation in the Light Mirror Sea.

Even if undersea cables were installed, it would be pointless if the reticulifier cut them frequently.

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However, Usapyu was the one who encountered the reticulifier, noticed how it avoided seaweed after just a few minutes of observation, and used this behavior to blow it up.

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“I know there are sharp guys with silly names. Like Mecha Mecha Guidance Commander.”

“The representative of Order Actor. It’s not just about being sharp; it’s like being on edge. Genius and insanity are thin lines. But thanks to them, we made great progress, didn’t we?”

“I can’t really say. We’re waiting for the higher-ups’ conclusion. But I suppose it will pass.”

ㅤ

Using fabric to simulate seaweed to repel the reticulifier from the waters.

Usapyu’s discovery significantly contributed to the garage-ization of the Light Mirror Sea. Perhaps it is possible to both cultivate seaweed and utilize New World resources.

Hayase got a refill of his beer and picked at his salad.

ㅤ

“It’s a real pity. I wanted to talk to that Bomber.”

“Bomber, you say? I didn’t recognize the voice due to the voice changer, but it fits better than Usapyu.”

“I heard Unison Human-Machine Technology hired the Actor directly, but you don’t know anything about him?”

“It seems the decision was made quite high up. The instruction that came down was to give that Bomber independent discretion and let him act alone.”

“Who is that, exactly?”

“Well, a Bomber, I guess.”

ㅤ

Giving a non-answer, Monobe shrugged.

As they chatted about such random things, a woman with a raccoon face appeared at the launch party venue.

Monobe, who glanced at her, realized that she was Surenno Chocolat, the representative of Citro Science Group, and involuntarily stood up.

Noticing Monobe’s reaction, the Actors fell silent.

ㅤ

Surenno Chocolat is looking around the venue with a bright smile, looking in the direction from which she came. From there, Atsuho Mio, the representative of Unison Human-Machine Technology, confidently walked up.

The corporate representative came directly to this launch venue. It’s not just simple encouragement; the appearance is well-prepared, and the entrance is theatrical.

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Anticipating some significant announcement, Monobe is on guard. Next to him, Hayase is also watching the two corporate representatives closely.

Surenno Chocolat began to speak with her unique, drawn-out tone.

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“To everyone present, I have an announcement. We, Citro Science Group, in collaboration with Ω Style Electrical Engineering and Unison Human-Machine Technology, will establish the 『Light Mirror Sea』 as a port base, essentially making it a garage. We are considering seeking your assistance for work, defense, and other requests.”

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As expected, Monobe clenched his fists tightly.

This is a substantial project that disrupts the power dynamics of the New World.

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In the New World, the land is recognized as Japanese territory, but because it remains unsurveyed and its complete details are unknown, it is regarded as a nationally shared asset.

Ownership rights are ambiguous as personal assets.

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However, in reality, each faction has established an activity base and is safeguarding its facilities and Actanoids by establishing a form of territory. These are referred to as Actanoid bases or garages.

These garages might be sold amicably, but often they are abandoned due to the inability to maintain them, either because of attacks by wild animals or unidentified Actanoids, or due to other factions constructing bases on transportation routes and demanding tolls.

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In the New World, territorial disputes are ongoing among various factions, and the Japanese government has maintained a laissez-faire stance, anticipating a contribution to the development of skilled individuals and Actanoid-related products. These territorial disputes are often edited and censored before being publicly shared on the internet, providing a form of entertainment, with advertising revenue going directly to the New World Resources Agency.

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Monobe contemplated the power dynamics surrounding the Light Mirror Sea and cast a glance at the individuals in the venue.

Eighteen people. It’s an insufficient number for establishing a garage, but having Ω Style Electrical Engineering on their side is advantageous.

If the Light Mirror Sea becomes the garage of Ω Style Electrical Engineering, communication in the surrounding area will see a significant improvement. This implies that the garages and power bases in the vicinity of factions cooperating with Ω Style Electrical Engineering can reduce the deployment of costly Lannoids.

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Conversely, hostile factions will need secure lines and encrypted communication to avoid detection, necessitating the deployment of expensive and vulnerable Lannoids on the front lines.

The increased safety in the surrounding areas is not favorable for hostile factions, thus the Light Mirror Sea area was expected to be heavily contested.

Monobe turned to look at Hayase beside him.

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“What’s your plan?”

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Appropriate financial strength is required to endure the intense battle until the establishment of the garage is successful. With three companies providing support, financial backing is anticipated, though the extent to which it can be relied upon remains uncertain.

Above all, they will have to contend with forces like Kaien Heavy Industries and Order Actor, which possess formidable combat capabilities. There might be no opportunity to deal with these forces in the future.

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On the other hand, if they can gain favor through the establishment of the Light Mirror Sea garage, it will provide a substantial advantage in activities within the surrounding areas. They could virtually monopolize the region.

Hayase’s handsome face lit up with a smile.

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“Naturally, I’ll participate.”

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Not only Hayase, but the actors who worked as underwater instructors also unanimously declared their participation.

Monobe glanced around the enthusiastic venue and thought of an actor who was absent.

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“It’s unfortunate for Bomber. Letting such a significant opportunity slip through his fingers.”