A Warmth Never Felt Before
The atmosphere of the Ark was gradually changing.
It was a pleasant change brought about by the stable power supply provided by the Arc Reactors salvaged from Ark 74.
The flickering lights now emitted a steady glow, and the spare power cables that had been strewn everywhere began to disappear one by one.
Thanks to this, there was significantly more usable space within the Ark and more power available for building maintenance.
Naturally, the first place I focused my attention on was the ECHOs' quarters.
[The ECHOs' quarters... sir?]
"Yeah. They should at least have an environment fit for people to live in."
[I do not quite understand what you mean. Is this not sufficient?]
"No, it's not sufficient at all."
That damn former fleet commander viewed the ECHOs as nothing more than disposable tools to be used and thrown away.
Because that philosophy was reflected throughout, Ark 69 didn't even have a building that could be called the ECHO quarters.
At best, it was a temporary residence made by stacking and modifying rusted containers.
In truth, even that was only because I had touched it up to some extent after I took office.
But now, things were different.
Splosh, splosh!
With a heavy sound, grey concrete poured out of a thick hose.
A vibrator hummed with a vrooooom sound, shaking the freshly poured concrete.
It was noisy, but it wasn't just simple noise.
It was an essential process to increase strength by removing microscopic air bubbles inside the concrete and tightly weaving the aggregates together using high-frequency vibration.
"Don't just rub it, spread it evenly! Hey! Cordelia! The corner over there is lifting!"
"Wh-What? Ah, okay! I'll take care of it!"
At Lena's shout, Cordelia hurriedly readjusted her grip on the shovel.
The Original ECHO and leader of the Sacred Front.
However, since she hadn't held a shovel often instead of a rifle, her posture was far from graceful.
Amidst the noise and frantic movement, Lena and Karen monitored the horizontal level of the concrete with hawk-like eyes.
Shortly after, an unidentified machine hovered over the concrete, which was shimmering like a grey mirror, and emitted a blue light that hardened the concrete instantly.
"Is that okay? Usually, doesn't it have to cure for several days...?"
At my mutter, Lena, who had appeared beside me unnoticed, spoke slowly.
"Yes, Commander. It is a technology that rapidly accelerates the bonding reaction inside the concrete through high-frequency vibration and stimulating nanoparticles.”
"……."
"It's a technology developed in the early days of the Ark... and it's a very efficient method for erecting buildings quickly."
Well, she's speaking Korean, but I still don't get it.
Anyway, the bottom line is that it's a technology that completes the curing process—which normally takes over 48 hours—in just 30 seconds.
If construction companies in my country found out about this, they'd all lose their minds.
Utterly absurd and nonsensical sci-fi tech was unfolding before my eyes.
Well, in a world where android-like ECHOs walk around, this level of technology is probably nothing.
Regardless, the ECHOs' quarters, which began to be built this way, were completed to a degree of splendor that surprised even me.
The living environment improved rapidly.
Warm-colored wallpaper was applied over the cold concrete walls, and the creaky temporary beds were replaced with proper beds featuring plush mattresses.
"Karen. Can you make my bed like this?"
"If you have a blueprint, leave it there."
"Uh... Karen. This is the blueprint for my room."
"Leave it there. Uh... Cordelia. Which room were you in?"
"Room 306."
Interestingly, everyone had very firm personal tastes.
Because of that, Karen, being a Production-type ECHO, was almost overwhelmed to the point that even having two bodies wouldn’t have been enough to process all of the work.
Thus, each ECHO was given their own bed, desk, and—surprisingly—a personal computer.
"W-Wow! Commander! D-Does this have internet?"
Moi asked, poking the monitor with her finger in curiosity.
"No, external internet is obviously not available. Instead, you'll be able to browse data within the Ark or chat with other ECHOs."
"Chatting? The Tactical Connection Link is always active, though."
"That only allows you to talk to ECHOs in your own squad."
"Oh... then that means I can talk to Sister Pomen from here?"
"Yeah. But don't spend your time on useless chatter."
Despite my scolding, Moi giggled and fiddled with the keyboard, seemingly delighted.
The sight suited her appearance quite well, and I found myself smiling unconsciously.
Maybe I should ask Wanderer to develop some light games for the ECHOs to enjoy later?
A Korean folk game played with ECHOs?
It sounded fun already.
Actually, I briefly thought it would be nice to put TVs in there too.
But unfortunately, there were no TV channels, so I gave up on that.
It's not like I could just build a broadcasting station inside the Ark. That would probably...
Be possible once the Ark grows significantly larger.
Or it was a matter to consider after establishing exchange with other super-massive single-digit Arks or other humans.
Currently, there were fewer than twenty survivors in Ark 69, including the mass-produced ECHOs.
"It's not even the size of a rural village."
There was still a long way to go.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Cordelia of the Sacred Front squad.
After receiving a promise from the Commander to revive her squad, she visited the medical bay every single day.
"Oh, Madeline."
"Cordelia, you're here?"
"Why are you here...?"
"There isn't a specific ECHO in charge of the medical bay, right? So we've been taking turns managing it."
"……."
Compared to Ark 74, the medical bay here was old and shabby.
Apparently, the previous fleet commander had practically smashed the entire Ark before leaving?
However, there was something here that the previous Ark lacked.
It was warmth.
Even though they weren't in the same squad or particularly close, the ECHOs here helped her by checking the medical equipment and cleaning in their spare time despite being busy.
Perhaps that was why?
Lapis's condition, contaminated by the Z Virus, was visibly improving with each passing day.
"Tomorrow, we will use the Arc Reactor to restore Lapis's contaminated Core."
One evening, Lena called Cordelia over and told her.
"...The Arc Reactor? You're using something that important?"
"Yes. Originally, I intended to use a replacement Core, but..."
Lena shrugged.
An it can't be helped expression appeared on her face.
In truth, there was no way this Ark would have a spare Core that an Original ECHO like Lapis could use.
If it weren't for the Arc Reactor obtained by chance from Ark 74, they would have had to borrow the power of the Commander's special Artifact again.
"So, you should be grateful to the Commander. Without him, Lapis's treatment would have been significantly delayed."
"……Right."
Cordelia nodded quietly, taking in the sight of the sleeping Lapis once more.
And finally, the promised day dawned.
"Core output stable. Neural network synchronization rate is now 98.56%. Vital signs within normal range."
"What about the Core operation rate?"
At my question, Lena, who was watching the monitor, replied.
"It is 99.99%. No error phenomena detected."
"That's a relief."
Although she had spent sleepless nights working with Karen to manufacture it, even Lena said this was her first time creating a Core for an Original ECHO.
Fortunately, from what I could see, there didn't seem to be any major problems.
[Ending all restoration procedures.]
A moment later, along with Wanderer's voice, the reinforced glass of the restoration device opened upward with a hiss.
As the white chill of liquid nitrogen spilled onto the floor, an ECHO slowly raised her upper body from within.
Lapis Theron of the Sacred Front.
Defend with light, survive with faith.
To be honest, it was a squad that felt like the other members were passed over because of the existence of SwiCo, who was practically a must-have meta character.
They didn't appear very often in the main story either.
But among them, Lapis Theron was a fairly famous ECHO.
Honor! Glory! Reinhardt! Reinhardt! Reinhardt!
She reminded me of a hammer-wielding old man from a certain game, as she tore through the battlefield with a single giant Saint Hammer, unlike other ECHOs who mostly used firearms.
Her surprisingly healthy and athletic appearance was a bit polarizing for some.
For the record, I was in the like camp.
"Lapis—!"
The moment Cordelia tried to run toward her, calling Lapis's name, Lena blocked her path.
"Wait, Cordelia. Give her a moment to grasp the current situation."
"Ah... right."
While several ECHOs, including Cordelia, Lena, and Karen, held their breath and watched her, Lapis stared blankly into the air for a while.
Her unfocused eyes slowly scanned the surroundings.
"This place is..."
Only after a long while did Lapis blink, her voice sounding cracked.
Her last memory was cut off at the moment she was abandoned by Ark 74 and fought against the Carapace Lord's forces on a mountain ridge.
Her Core armor had definitely been destroyed during the battle with the Brutes, and even in that state, she had swung her hammer at the zombies however she could, but...
"Lapis."
"...Eh?"
At the familiar voice calling her, Lapis blinked and looked at Cordelia.
"Cordelia? Is the battle over? Did we win?"
This was definitely an Ark facility.
If it weren't, there would be no way she, who had been taken down by zombies, could have woken up as fine as she was now.
However, for it to be Ark 74, the facilities coming into view were far too poor.
Old monitors and parts with obvious signs of being patched together. It felt more like a temporary shelter built by Wanderers than an Ark.
"……???"
Her system flickered frantically to process the confusing information.
Her physical condition, the surrounding environment, and the comrade before her. Everything was a question mark. Just as wariness began to settle in Lapis's eyes, I stepped forward.
"Are you awake, Lapis Theron?"
An unfamiliar voice.
Lapis struggled to open her eyes, taking in the face of a man she had never seen before.
"...Eh?"
"This is Ark 69. And I am the fleet commander and leader of this Ark."
At my words, Lapis's eyes scanned me sharply.
Then, she stepped down from the bed and knelt on one knee like a knight.
"Lapis Theron, of the Sacred Front from Ark 74. Half-destroyed during mission execution, memory disconnected. I request an explanation of the situation."
"To put it simply, Ark 74 fell. And the Carapace Lord that attacked Ark 74 was dealt with by our Ark 69. The surviving ECHO squads were also absorbed into our Ark."
"...Then?"
"It seems the survivors of Ark 74 moved to another Ark. Well, I don't know where they went, but our guess is that they went to Ark 86. Anyway, that's the gist of it..."
I tried to help Lapis up and reached out my hand.
But instead of taking my hand, Lapis looked at me with a puzzled expression.
It was a look that said she couldn't understand why a Commander would personally reach out to an ECHO.
It was at that moment.
"Commander—!!"
"...???"
"Dinner's ready—! Food! Food!"
The medical bay door swung wide open, and Rai waved at us.
Behind her, Moi was following in short steps, shouting that she shouldn't scream like that.
Naturally, Lapis's eyes filled with shock at the behavior of the two ECHOs.