First Outer World Story Series: The Black Mist that Devours - Chapter 129
Translator: MadHatter Editor: MadHatter
(Chirito POV)
“Is that the thing?”
“It looks exactly like what we heard. I believe those are the targets.”
As I peered through the binoculars, several mechanical giants… robots were in motion.
Their movements were as if they were on the lookout for something, and invariably there were two or more of them operating as a team.
“We can’t carelessly meddle with these things.”
“Just one of them is too tough, let alone two at the same time…”
“Or rather, that will simply be recklessness.”
“Even with only one of them, our firepower is insufficient and it would be time-consuming.”
Our objective was to hunt monsters in this place, Lake Turkana, with the aim of ascertaining if the monster’s materials contain the potency to be imprinted into the technology developed at the Fox Princess’ place.
And as of now, we were searching for monsters… or, more accurately, adversaries outside of the robots’ sensing range, looking for foes who were operating alone and whom we might be able to hunt.
“Let’s depart this place for now. There is a possibility that we might be discovered by accident even outside the sensing range if we stay here for too long.”
At Mugi’s suggestion, we all exchanged nods and headed back to the nearby village.
————–
“Yes, I understand. Thank you.”
“How’s it going?”
“I got some information.”
“That’s fortuitous.”
After returning to the village, we settled down at the inn to discuss how to hunt the robot.
However, before we could hold a discussion, information would have to be obtained. Therefore, I received information from Ichiko, who had actually fought with the robot, via Kurokiri, while the others obtained information from the villagers.
“Then let’s start by disclosing the information we have acquired so far, shall we?”
“Right.”
And so the discussion began.
・Firstly, that dungeon emerged at the inception of the Demon Kings’ first arrival in this world, and it is a dungeon reigned by the first generation of Demon Kings.
・Compared to the monsters in other dungeons, the robots’ strength is evidently higher to the degree that if the village was to be trampled, it would be preordained for them to flee at once without putting up any resistance.
・Apparently, the robots are closely linked in communication with each other, and when one of them detects an enemy, other robots may flock to the area around it.
・Because they are robots, even if you hack off their heads, their motions will persist, therefore the only way to eradicate them is to damage their overall body and cause them to malfunction, or destroy their power reactor.
・Even the locals hardly have any knowledge of the robot’s materials due to their strength. Nevertheless, there is speculation that a special metal may be involved, based on its strength and the properties obtained from what little information is available.
・The power reactor serves the same function as the human heart, but its position differs from one type to another.
・Additionally, I present my analysis of their status and other relevant details through the use of binoculars.
“What a nuisance.”
“It’s a hassle.”
“How tricky.”
[[[?]]]
Mugi, Une, and I all shared the same opinion, displaying a serious expression on our countenances.
And the remaining three wore a puzzled look.
“Indeed, it’s a concern, but is it really that serious?” Deborah asked tentatively.
“It’s rather troubling.”
One by one, I listed the difficulties. Specifically, here was what I meant:
・Our skill composition is more defense-oriented, and our firepower is lacking.
・Robots possess firm armor and sufficient durability to even withstand the attacks of a half-Demon King.
・Should one of the robots detect an enemy, the others will respond accordingly.
・Since our goal is obtaining the materials, it may be essential to defeating the robots without damaging specific parts of the body.
“Given our lack of firepower and the fact that the opponents have superior durability and can simultaneously call in their comrades, we’re the ones who are at disadvantage.”
“In other words, while we have to destroy one of them, the others will draw near to us.”
Yukiko replied to my explanation in a satisfactory manner.
“When it comes to the maximal firepower of our attack, I would say that it would be Mugi-san’s ≪Solid Flame Javelin≫…?”
“That would be so. I possess both ≪Fire Magic Proficiency≫ Ⅰ and Ⅱ, so I think my attack will be the most effective among us.”
“But it is impossible for Mugi alone to deliver a blow without causing damage to the power reactor, and if there are two opponents at the same time, the other will call for their companions.”
“Before that happens, our purpose is to strip it down. We also have to consider what to do after defeating it. With the size of the robot, it would most likely take a long time to strip it of its body.”
“That would mean we’re in a dead-end… or worse, we could be wiped out.”
“I wonder where this is all leading us.”
We all sighed in unison at this sense of impasse.
However, since we had been sent by the Demon King, whose command we followed, the policy of giving up did not exist, so we were bound to figure out a plan to deal with the situation.
“For starters, the assumption is that if we are intending to hunt them, we should hunt where there is only one enemy, right?”
“There is without a doubt the case. Facing two or more adversaries at the same time would be hopeless for us by any means.”
“The most optimal approach is to use Mugi’s ≪Solid Flame Javelin≫ with my ≪Intellect Enhancement≫.”
“Furthermore, it would be advisable to halt its movement in advance with Une’s ≪Sugar Binding Honey≫ to ensure a clear aim.”
“Chirito-san, do you know which part of the opponent has what function?”
“Ah, if we know that, a proximity team can take them by surprise and render them incapable of calling their allies…”
Little by little, our opinions began to coalesce.
Then, after integrating everyone’s opinions, a strategy has been finalized, in which we set the wheels in motion to execute that strategy.
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