Vol 2. Chapter 10: Hunt for the Worm
Subterranean exploration using ultrasonic technology.
The multi-legged heavy walker prototype, WP2, designed specifically for underground cavity exploration, is gradually expanding its surveyed range.
WP2 maintains the same base design as its predecessor but has swapped its equipment for specialized survey tools and armaments. It is linked to the offshore Alpha-Class Destroyer No. 1, which continuously analyzes the underground data it collects.
Its armament includes a single multi-barrel machine gun, a grenade launcher, and a self-defense mace mounted on one of its two manipulator arms. This mace is made of carbon nanotube artificial muscles combined with a titanium alloy skeleton, enhancing its striking power and shock resistance. The previous steel-based skeleton would have fractured under the stress of close combat, necessitating this custom-built replacement.
“After all, it wouldn’t hurt to have some close combat capability!”
Thus came the Commander’s definitive decision, leading to the installation of these weapons—a choice that no doubt added to Ringo’s workload. Incidentally, a directive to develop a pile bunker weapon is also currently in progress.
“We’re detecting numerous cavities. Within a 1 km radius, at least, there are clear signs of underground hollows. Team 3, which has advanced 2 km in a straight line, reports fewer detections but still uncovered cavities at their location.”
“Hm... But there’s nothing near Telek Harbor or Iron Town, right?”
“Yes, Commander. While Iron Town was surveyed from the air and may have overlooked smaller formations, Telek Harbor was thoroughly examined by WP2 at night. The data is precise.”
In other words, the varying sizes of underground cavities located at the fortress construction site seem unique to this area. The survey range is still expanding, but the reduced frequency of detections in Team 3's findings suggests that the activity range of the suspected Ground Worms is limited.
“However, we still haven’t found any actual worms.”
“That’s troubling in its own way...”