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Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken (Web Novel) - Chapter 279: Bonus - Visit to the Unknown - 04 The Empire’s Reasons and Okonomiyaki
Chapter 279: Bonus - Visit to the Unknown - 04 The Empire’s Reasons and Okonomiyaki
This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml
Colonel Gratham looked nervous as he bowed to the person on the other side of the screen.
It was Lieutenant General Michelle, the highest in command of the southern security force.
So it was no surprise that Colonel Gratham was nervous.
Not only was Lieutenant General Michelle the highest in command of the southern security force, but she was the Governor-General of South City.
◆◆◆
Before the great war, this world was separated into seven ‘cities.’
The cities were complete sustainable cities that were the product of the best technology of the time.
The population was fifty million.
The whole world worked together to create this dream-like robotic utopia.
In these complete cities, humans did not need to work.
To be precise, under the total control of artificial intelligences, they had a comfortable life guaranteed for them.
There was only a small number of people that helped manage the cities and decided the direction they would take. All of the other labour was done by machines.
People had the bare minimum when it comes to clothes, food and shelter and were also able to enjoy public entertainment.
This was promised to all fifty million citizens.
However-
The entire population of the world was actually ten billion.
Due to a rise in population, the world was becoming oversaturated.
There were those who were promised comfort and those who were not.
Only a small fraction of those ten billion would be chosen as residents of paradise.
So perhaps it was no surprise that hatred would be born from this difference.
The plan to build these cities continued to be carried out by the one world government.
But before they were finished, there were those who raised their voices in discontent.
They were blind to their own laziness, no, perhaps it was because of their laziness, that they despised and hated those who would be allowed to live in the cities.
Wars often occurred over small things, when thoughtless people are quick to anger.
Faster than the computers had predicted, the environment began to change, and water shortages began to become desperate.
The predictions that there would be mass starvation before the rest of the cities were complete started to look like a reality. It was then that it happened.
Riots.
Those who could not get into the cities began to attack.
These riots spread throughout the world, and the flames of violence began to grow.
And turn to war.
-And now.
Of the seven original ‘cities,’ only five remained.
This was the territory of the Mechanized Empire of Almsbine.
Almsbine, the supreme leader of the cities’ administration was made Emperor, and the surviving citizens were made subjects of the empire who would guard its territories as soldiers.
It was the best way to live in this harsh environment. Everyone had agreed to this.
The city where the first riot had occurred-it was the last place to be rebuilt as plans had been delayed, and so after the riots, it became the first place to be hit with nuclear bombs.
As the rioting citizens had gone deep within the city, the defense system was not able to activate.
The other cities were so alarmed by this that they immediately cut off contact with surrounding cities and became independent.
Even amongst nuclear war, they were able to survive through their defense systems.
Once the war was finished, there was one city that tried to reconcile all the survivors.
This ‘city’ that accepted survivors of the nuclear war for humanitarian reasons, were then attacked by those they tried to save. And the city fell.
It was at this point that the Mechanized Empire of Almsbine decided that they would trust no one outside of their city.
This definitive event happened not one year after the end of the war.
Those who could not live in the cities ended up living in the vast underground shelters.
These shelters spread out through the undergrounds of the whole world, but they were not environments where people could live for long.
Furthermore, animals who escaped to them mutated into beasts. It was a place that seemed to reject human life.
Eventually, the beasts started to evolve to have super abilities, and became too big a threat for humans who were not armed.
The humans of this world were on a fast course for destruction.
The population that was once ten billion was now just a few hundred million.
And yet the places where humanity could survive were very limited, and it was not enough to house everyone.
And so the survivors of this world were forced to fight for the chance of continued survival.
-It wasn’t about what was right or wrong. It was just a base survival instinct-
◆◆◆
The Governor-General of the five remaining ‘cities’-that was immense power.
In other words, she was the queen of South City.
Her cold blue eyes shone with an unshakable will.
Translations by AsianHobbyist Website.
Her light blonde hair was cut slightly above the shoulders as if to accentuate her fastidiousness.
Beautiful and cool, it was the perfect image to make her subordinates firm believers in her.
Judging by her appearance, you might wonder if she was even twenty years old.
Had she gained her position through her blood ties…
However, such assumptions would be considered laughable to those who knew her.
After all, Michelle was undoubtedly one of the monsters.
Her official name was Machinery Four-Michelle.
She was one of the strongest of the Empire.
Michelle heard the report and sighed.
Regardless of how polluted the word already was, using nuclear weapons, the most infamous of the old weapons, was overstepping one’s authority.
However, her expression did not change, and she hid her anger from showing.
“-We shall consider the possibility that the resistance have developed new weapons later. So, what have you done since then?”
Asked Michelle’s adjutant, Jegyll, as she gave Colonel Gratham a hard stare from the other side of the screen.
Jegyll was a young woman with a long history with Michelle.
She had the kind of sharp eyes that kept men away.
Even Colonel Gratham, who was twice her age, became uncomfortable under her stare.
“Yes! According to the report, they had currently formed a party to pursue them and to search for their base. As for the mysterious weapon, they have been told to capture it if possible.”
Michelle furrowed her eyebrows when she heard Colonel Gratham’s reply.
She wondered who they could have possiblity sent that could stand against an enemy that killed three Murder Dogs at once.
Michelle was against the use of soldiers as disposable objects, and there was no way that Colonel Gratham was not aware of it.
In that case, it would make sense to think that he had sent a sizable force…
“…Colonel Gratham. Did you perhaps send the armored troops led by Second Lieutenant Karman?”
Michelle said as she sat coolly in her chair.
Colonel Gratham looked a little surprised. But then he smiled confidently and answered her.
“Yes! You are very perceptive! Furthermore, First Lieutenant Hiragi is continuing the combat analysis, so they should be prepared for anything.”
Colonel Gratham said with a bow, but Michelle was even more angry now.
As the person who was the highest in command of the south security force, she knew well the names, abilities and personalities of her subordinates.
When she considered all of it together, the only thing that fit with Colonel Gratham’s ability to act, was the armored troops.
That being said, it was actually the worst possible action in Michelle’s mind.
Colonel Gratham had said that they were prepared, which was him hinting at the possibility of defeat, yet the problem went further back than that.
First Lieutenant Hiragi and Second Lieutenant Karman.
These two did not work well together at all.
It wasn’t that they didn’t like each other. If anything, it was the opposite.
They had very similar personalities and the success rate of an operation went up if they worked together.
It might seem like a favorable point then, but the problem was in the process.
Just as there had been a report of Second Lieutenant Hiragi using nuclear weapons without hesitation, the two of them did not act with any regard towards damage.
They only pursued results.
Of course, they did make an attempt to minimize casualties towards their own. However, there was no such regard for the enemy.
They did not think of the circumstances of others, and only cared about completing the task they were given.
First Lieutenant Hiragi was obsessed with research and had no mercy when it came to operations.
Second Lieutenant Karman was obsessed with battle and pursued victory alone.
It was said that when these two teamed up, the battlefield would grow increasingly brutal.
Perhaps these were not reprehensible traits for the military.
However, Michelle could not make herself like these two.
She would even go as far as to say she disliked them.
In general, Michelle was against murder.
As was clear from the name, Southern Security Force, their purpose was to maintain peace.
It wasn’t the annihilation of the resistance.
They were a part of humanity and may have been their comrades had things been a little different, or so Michelle thought.
It was just that their positions had ended up a little different…
Of course, as long as the cities had limited capacity, there was no question of letting them in.
They would not go down the same path as that city that had been destroyed.
And so, in spite of her feelings, Michelle had agreed to all of the operations that her subordinates had submitted.
Even if a report came that said nuclear weapons had been used, she did not complain that it was going too far.
While she didn’t see the resistance as an enemy, they were not friends or allies either.
It was only natural for them to prioritize the residents of the city and her subordinates.
And-while it was not public knowledge, there were informants within the resistance.
Indirectly offering them abandoned food processing plants, having them attack unarmed food storages…
They were roundabout ways, but Michelle had done what she could to give the resistance just enough to survive.
And now…
She sank into her chair and closed her eyes to think.
It was not possible that the resistance could have developed a new weapon.
There had been no reports from their informants, and the resistance did not have the resources.
In that case, could it be someone from the other cities…or…
(Was there a laboratory that had survived? It wasn’t impossible… But unlikely. No, perhaps…)
She stopped thinking about the abilities of the enemy and instead tried to predict what would happen from here.
First Lieutenant Hiragi was not likely to allow them to escape.
In that case, the resistance base might already have been discovered.
And with Second Lieutenant Karman there as well, the place would turn into a battlefield.
There were problems with Second Lieutenant Karman’s personality, but it was quite the opposite in terms of combat ability.
Translations by AsianHobbyist Website.
The armor unit consisted of five of their best soldiers who wore powered suits.
These cyborgs that had been altered through the power of science, were now even stronger with the help of the powered suits.
Among them, Karmen was exceptional. A genius.
Stronger even than the Murder Dogs.
It was very likely then that the powerless people in their hiding places would be murdered.
(I believe that nearly a thousand live in a single base. So it would not be hard for them to kill them all…)
Michelle came to a decision after a few seconds of thought.
“…Our biggest priority is understanding the abilities of the mystery enemy. While the resistance are not a threat, we cannot ignore them if they have something that is stronger than a Murder Dog. Tell First Lieutenant Hiragi to analyze it thoroughly. And tell Second Lieutenant Karman not to go further than what is necessary.”
Then Michelle paused for a moment before deciding to make it clear.
“Colonel Gratham. I will say that it was not wrong for you to send the strongest force at your disposal at the time. However, when going against an unknown enemy, it would have been better to send machine troops which can be replaced. I do not want to lose any more men. Is that understood?”
“Ye-yes!! I am deeply moved by your kind words. I shall remind them that they are to pay the utmost attention to avoiding any loss of lives. Do not worry on that account!!”
“Good. I eagerly await a positive report.”
She said, and then the transmission ended.
The screen blinked off and Michelle let out a deep sigh.
Now that she had said that, they would focus on the mystery enemy rather than the destruction of the resistance.
Unfortunately, for this mystery enemy, it would have to be used to buy them some time.
Now she would just have to contact her informants and give orders and somehow use the situation to help them recover.
Jegyll smiled wryly as she appreciated the work her friend was doing.
“You must be tired, Michelle. I cannot imagine what it is like, keeping your subordinates happy while helping the resistance…”
“Yes… But it cannot be helped. What they say is right, and in terms of fairness, we are not without fault. The truth is, we do not have enough resources for everyone, and we make them suffer a little…”
Michelle answered with a small smile of her own.
The Mechanized Empire of Almsbine had no real intention of annihilating the resistance-thought none actually knew this.
Only a few of the top people in each city were aware.
The first great war would never have even occurred if there had been enough resources.
If people cared too much about themselves, it became easier to grow discontent when others made profits.
Even more so when your life was on the line.
In reality, it was just not possible for the Empire’s food processing plants to make enough food for all of humanity.
It was even less realistic to provide clothing and shelter. And so there was no avoiding having people bear their situation.
It was clear, since a city had already been destroyed.
That was the reason that Michelle’s father, the Emperor of Almsbine, had abandoned those who lived outside of the city.
-Reconciliation was not to be wished for.
They would not destroy them, but they would not save them either.
They would be given scraps from the city, without even knowing it…
Those were the words of the Emperor.
No one knew about this.
This was because it would not gain any support.
“Well then, I will send word.”
“Yes, thank you. Jegyll.”
Jegyll bowed and left the room.
Michelle was now left alone.
“…Destruction. In this situation, we are probably just delaying our last days… But having an enemy to fight against might…”
She closed her eyes and thought.
Even if the world was headed for destruction, Michelle was determined to fight it.
To that cause, she was willing to be merciless and cold.
The resistance was not a threat now. If anything, as enemies, they provided her men with a reason to live.
Michelle wished that things could just stay as they were.
And yet-
(…This mystery enemy.)
Then a thought came to her.
From what she had heard, it was incredibly strong.
As long as they did not know where it was from, it could not be ignored.
In any case…while they were problem cases, the subordinates who were sent were good.
So everything should become clear soon.
(…However, I hope that the resistance don’t become arrogant through this…)
If their existence became a threat to the city…
Michelle thought about this dark possibility.
(…A storm might as well come and just wipe us all away…)
The fear of annihilation, suspicions and doubts. This was a world where people only felt a reason to live through finding enemies.
The atmosphere was polluted and you could not even see the sun during the day.
While it seemed childish to want help from god, you could not help it.
Michelle sighed again, as if to mock herself.
◆◆◆
The sound of something sizzling on the grill filled the air.
The smell of something delicious wafted as several children gathered around with bright eyes.
“Kaaa-hahaha! It is almost ready. You should all wait in line. And do not forget to bring the parts!”
It was Veldora.
Veldora was cooking okonomiyaki on a grill.
Where did the grill come from? What about the heat? Such things were of no concern.
It was Veldora. And anything was possible.
“Oh, it’s ready. So, you want to be first? Where are the parts?”
When the okonomiyaki was ready, Veldora called to the child who was first in line.
“Here it is! It is a drill arm with a powerful electric motor inside!”
“A drill arm!? That sounds very cool! Alright, let’s trade!!”
“Thank you!!”
“Who is next?”
“Me! Can I trade this?”
“Oh, a caterpillar. Hmm, very well. It’s hot, so don’t burn yourself.”
“Yes! Thank you, mister!!”
“Yes, yes!”
These transactions continued as Veldora gained more parts and passed out okonomiyaki to the children.
He looked very satisfied and his smile widened as he looked at the increasing amount of parts he was getting.
The children happily ate the okonomiyaki and let out cries of overwhelming delight.
“It’s delicious! This is so good!!”
“What is this!? It’s hot. My tongue hurts. But I can’t stop eating it!!”
While the taste changed so you would not get bored, the children still ate the same thing everyday.
Translations by AsianHobbyist Website.
And it was of course, neither cold nor hot, and the taste did not spread.
It was clear what the difference was between artificial and natural.
And so the taste and heat of Veldora’s okonomiyaki practically exploded in the mouths of the children.
In spite of his warnings, some of them got burns in their mouths.
“Kaa-hahahaha! How is it? Good? Don’t fret, there is plenty more!!”
The children gathered around Veldora.
He had become their hero in no time.
While he was just luring them with food, Veldora was on top of the world.
Just how had this happened…
The adults lived as always in this claustrophobic space, with no hope for the future.
But among all of this, the children tried to find some fun in their days.
And so they thought of a game-robot wrestling.
This involved gathering discarded parts and creating robots to fight each other.
Robots that were especially well-made would be made part of the Remote Robot force and sent out into the field.
This was considered to be the highest honor for the children.
They looked through the mountain of junk that the adults brought back and searched for promising parts.
They would then learn how they worked on their own and install them into the robots.
This was to make the best possible machine they could.
The elderly taught the young everything they knew.
It was believed that friendly rivalry would make this game even more fun.
A race where the winner was obvious was boring.
And so they praised each others’ skills while trying to raise their own…
In this environment, the children were able to achieve a high level of understanding in technology.
That day…
The children had gathered as usual and were making adjustments to their robots.
And then out of nowhere, Veldora appeared before them.
……
……
…
Veldora was sulking.
The reason was simple.
Ramiris and Beretta had been praised to high heaven while he had been abandoned.
After the talk with Sharma and the others, they had been led to the base.
It was not because they were trusted completely, but it had been decided that they could do no harm.
But more than anything, Ramiris’s abilities were very appealing.
“So, Lord Ramiris. You can control water?”
Sharma asked. Ramiris laughed haughtily.
“You could say that! You know, I’m just a woman of many talents, alright?”
“Ohh! Wonderful. Then we have a request we would like to ask you…”
“What? What? Well, let’s hear it. I am a gentle person, so I will at least hear you out!”
“It is really nothing for something as great as you, Lord Ramiris. At least, I don’t think it is?”
“Great!? Me? Why, you have a great eye for seeing people. I am impressed!”
“Hahaha. Oh, you flatter me. As for the request…”
As soon as it was known that Ramiris could freely control water, Rindo knew what Sharma would want, and acted quickly.
And so he raised Ramiris with flattering words before beginning to negotiate so she would listen to him.
The request was that he wanted her to fill their water tank.
It would surely not be possible for her to fill it completely, but even a little would be adequate. He asked with this desperate hope.
In this world, water was more valuable than anything.
Not only did it rarely rain, even if it did, the rain water was polluted.
And it took an incredible amount of time to filter it until it was no longer harmful.
This underground world where super beasts roamed was not friendly to humans. But the beasts and plants had evolved to be able to filter and store the water.
However, this stored water was at the watering holes of the beasts…and in order to steal water from them, the resistance—Light of Dawn—had to accept the possibility of casualties.
While some problems couldn’t be solved without making sacrifices, it was usually a last resort.
And then Ramiris had appeared. So it was no wonder that they would want to ask this of her.
“Leave it to me! Something like that could not be more simple!!”
Ramiris was the one that was simple.
She was happy at being praised, and so quickly accepted their request.
Now completely carried away, Ramiris was led to the water tank, where she filled it completely with water.
To this, Sharma, Rindo and Zaza could only stare with their eyes and mouths widened.
It was more than they could have expected… No, that was an understatement.
They believed that even if they used the bare minimum to survive, the water would not last another year. And now they had enough to live for three years even if they used it lavishly.
“This-this is wonderful, Lord Ramiris! You must have been sent here from the heavens. We are thankful from the bottom of our hearts to have met you!”
“Thank you so much! Now, if only the filtering of the water was smoother…”
After hearing Sharma and Rindo’s praise, Ramiris smiled and nodded.
“Filtering the water? That’s so easy. Beretta. Do it!”
She ordered Beretta.
While Beretta wondered if this would not create problems…he believed it was less harmful than what they had done with the food, and so he accepted.
“If that is your wish, Lord Ramiris…”
He said. Then he used the Ultimate Gift, ‘Mineral Manipulation’ from ‘Deus Ex Machina,’ to gather all of the metal and harmful substances inside of the water tank and then purifed the water.
And with this, Bereta was showered with praise as well.
“Th-that’s amazing!! You can not only fight, but do that as well!?”
“An all-purpose weapon…it is hard to believe such technology exists…”
And so it went.
Unlike Ramiris, Beretta finished the job silently and only when he was finished, did he open his mouth.
“I might as well tell you then. You wished for the water filter to be smoother, well, the problem is that the filtering device is not working well. Lord Rimuru once said that machines need maintenance. Has this machine been running for a very long time without rest?”
And he was right. The filtering device had not undergone any maintenance at all.
Turning the machine off meant turning off their water supply, so in away, it could not be helped…but it was also true that it was shortening the machines lifespan.
If that was all, then they would not have been so surprised…
“Beretta, can you fix it?”
“It’s possible, but…”
“Then you should fix it for them!”
“…”
Ramiris had fallen prey so completely by now, that she happily gave the order to Beretta.
Beretta was about to protest, but gave up and obeyed her.
And like this, Beretta not only pointed out the issue with the device, but even repaired it.
“Lord Ramiris, surely you must be a renowned scientist?”
Translations by AsianHobbyist Website.
“Well, yes!”
“Would it be possible for you to look at the other machines as well?”
“Okay! Leave it to me! Let’s go, Beretta!!”
They talked together like this, and left Veldora behind.
“Uh, what about me?”
Veldora muttered. But his voice only echoed in the lonely water storage room.
………
……
…
Not at all amused with how things had developed, Veldora returned to the base.
And that was when he met the children who were tinkering with their robots.
They would choose whether or not to help these people after learning more about the situation-that had been their conclusion just a moment ago, but Veldora was sulking. And so it no longer had anything to do with him.
He discarded that discussion into the farthest reaches of oblivion and became the king of these children.
And now, among the delicious smells and cries of admiration, even adults were starting to gather around Veldora.
This clamour of course eventually reached Sharma and the others.
And it did not take long for them to come running frantically back to Veldora.
