𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟗: 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞
Crepe herb grows in clusters, but most of it consists of cloned individuals.
Like bamboo and lotus, it sprouts from underground roots to the surface, but once the above-ground part grows to a certain extent, it cuts off its roots and separates from the parent plant, trying to contain damage from diseases and pests.
Because of this characteristic, it tends to spread thin roots in the subsurface, often causing landslides and has a foolish tendency to self-destruct.
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Currently, there are only two strains of crepe herb being cultivated aseptically in Japan. Due to low genetic diversity, they want to increase genetic samples for future breeding and pest control measures.
Apparently, that’s why the collection request was made.
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Chihaya was reading the description of crepe herb and was satisfied while running the All-Rounder.
For the purpose, crepe herb will be collected across several clusters.
Considering the time to search, it seems to take time.
Chihaya, who was cheerfully running the All-Rounder, arrived at the cluster, having spent two days analyzing the eyewitness information collected in advance.
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“― ― It’s, ruined.”
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The arrived cluster was terribly ravaged.
Since it was originally on sloping land, it was prone to landslides. There seemed to have been a battle between Actanoids, and the ground was gouged out.
There were bullet marks on nearby trees. Moreover, they were widespread bullet marks, and gouged-out trees were dead.
There were also traces of what seemed to be an Actanoid’s battery on fire, telling the horror of the battle.
However, the battle itself must have taken place more than half a month ago. Moss was already growing on the gouged-out ground.
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But the crucial crepe herb was completely wiped out. When lightly digging the soil that had slipped, a withered crepe herb fruit appeared.
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“What a waste. . . . . .”
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Muttering involuntarily, Chihaya heads for another cluster.
Anyway, she was planning to visit several clusters. There are still chances.
Chihaya, who was advancing confidently, found that the clusters she spent half a day visiting were all severely ravaged.
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Out of four places, some are completely wiped out, and many have lost the fruits of crepe herb. They don’t need to stick to the fruit since it’s for a genetic sample, but it’s obviously weakened, and probably won’t be accepted if collected.
Apparently, there was a period when sporadic battles were fought around here. Moreover, it’s concentrated within the last half month.
Even searching the net, there were no records, and Chihaya was puzzled and increased her vigilance.
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To go deep into the New World, Chihaya’s All-Rounder carries more than the usual assault rifles, large-caliber handguns, and grenades. It should be able to escape even if there is some combat.
Above all, there’s no extra money due to the moving expenses, deposits, and various costs after her home was attacked.
She wants to complete this request at all costs.
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Chihaya continues to move the All-Rounder further in search of the crepe herb clusters.
As she goes deeper, the density of the trees increases, and the sloping lands increase.
Chihaya estimates her current location to be around the foot of Shizuhara Mountain, based on the distance and direction from Morinomiya Garage.
The source of Shizuhara River, which flows near Morinomiya Garage, is at the foot of Shizuhara Mountain. Surrounded by rolling hills, it becomes difficult for radio waves to reach.
In other words, it’s unexplored territory, and there is a high possibility that there is a cluster of crepe herb that has not been ravaged.
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Chihaya checks the map app on the computer to avoid getting lost. Since there’s no GPS, this map app estimates the approximate location based on Actanoid’s operating time, stride, direction, etc.
Because the estimation method is rough, the longer Actanoid walks, the greater the discrepancy in the location on the map.
Chihaya aligns it with her own senses and makes corrections, continuing further at the foot of Shizuhara Mountain.
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The deeper she goes into the hinterland, the more she comes across Actanoids that seem to have been destroyed and abandoned in battle. The radio condition worsens, and due to the distance to the scene, they seem to have been left unrecovered.
Strangely, there were no units left to rust. Although they were damaged to the point of being unable to move autonomously, many parts seemed to be reusable.
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“Psycholon, Conductor. . . . . .”
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She records the location of the mechs she comes across in the map app. Thinking of recovering them on her way back and making a little money, Chihaya was nonchalantly considering it.
All the abandoned units were mechs with excellent search capabilities. Moreover, the damage to the legs, which appeared to have been struck by something like an iron rod, was not possible in regular Actanoid battles.
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However, Chihaya cheerfully hums a tune as she advances the All-Rounder, pleased with the unexpected income.
There was a sense of incongruity, but no distress signals were sent. Evidence that the Actor of the abandoned Actanoid had disconnected. If it was part of the Actanoids that had been fighting in the vicinity of the crepe herb colony, they were destroyed about half a month ago. The battle is probably over.
While thinking optimistically, she remains cautious of wild animals and keeps her large-caliber handgun drawn. She doesn’t let her guard down and remains vigilant.
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However, what Chihaya is operating is an antique, a rental All-Rounder. It doesn’t have enhanced search capabilities, and the identification method for enemies is only camera imagery. If the current Actanoids were to act stealthily, it would not be a unit that could find them.
For an amateur like Chihaya, half a month of hotel hermit life was too long.
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“Ah, beautiful. . . . . .”
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Looking at the main camera image of the All-Rounder that arrived at the mountain stream, Chihaya’s eyes sparkled.
Moss-covered large rocks tumble, and a stream flows down a gentle slope with a refreshing sound. There are steep mountains on both sides, and there is not a single bird’s chirp.
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“It’s quiet, calm, a nice place. . . . . .”
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Listening to the babbling of the stream, Chihaya leisurely advances the All-Rounder upstream.
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