Summoning Japan: Flights of the Fancy

Chapter 22 - Ancient Weapon Pal Chimera's Fierce Might

The deafening roar resounded as the Pal Chimera 1 crossed the open sea. Perhaps due to the effect of the anti-gravity magic engine, the sea surface directly beneath the flying battleship was disturbed. Despite flying at an altitude of 200 meters, the Pal Chimera left a wake in its path.

On the bridge, Captain Walman was enjoying the ride.

"What a marvelous feeling to be in this ancient superweapon... but a speed of 200 kilometers per hour is lamentable for a flying object. It will take more than 70 hours to reach the target (Ragna). Allow the crew to rest in shifts as planned."

"Yes, sir."

Walman issued instructions to his subordinate standing nearby. They were aware of it as knowledge but had not fully grasped the reality—that they were being observed from space.

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At the Japanese Ministry of Defense, analysts Yokota and Horiyama were fixated on an unusual subject while analyzing satellite images.

"Is this really flying in the sky?"

The subject in question was a massive wheel with a diameter of approximately 260 meters, supported by three spokes in the center.

"I hate to admit it, but there's no doubt about it. It must be the flying battleship mentioned in the briefing. Let's inform the higher-ups."

The satellite images made their way from them to their superiors and eventually to the National Security Council (NSC).

. . .

"Is this really flying in the sky?"

The first words of the Prime Minister echoed the sentiments of all the ministers.

"These are the results of our image analysis. I don't want to admit it, but there's no mistake," the Defense Minister responded.

"We showed it to researchers at the JAXA, but they could only conclude that it's flying using an unknown principle," added the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

"So it's really magic."

The Prime Minister chuckled. However, he quickly asked the Defense Minister.

"What are the odds of the Self-Defense Forces against this thing?"

"But Mirishial is our ally, sir?"

To the unexpected question, the Foreign Minister inadvertently blurted cluelessly.

"If this is the 'ancient superweapon,' then it must have been created by the Sorcerous Empire."

All the ministers understood that. In preparation for the eventual conflict with the Sorcerous Empire, they need something that can defeat the Pal Chimera.

"We need to modify the anti-ship missiles to target airborne objects as well. It might not be needed immediately, but we should get it done without forgetting."

"Understood."

With this, the ATLA was tasked with the reprogramming of ASM-2. In charge of this was Samejima, who had a track record with ASM-2X.

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The Pal Chimera 2 commanded by Meteos was heading towards Irnetia Island.

"Captain, this planned course significantly deviates from the Mu Continent. Is such a detour necessary?" Colmed inquired to Meteos.

"I want it to appear as if we've suddenly appeared near Irnetia Island. The idea is to present an unpredictable and elusive presence. Wouldn't that be terrifying for our opponents, not knowing when and where we'll show up?"