Constellation, Blue Wood Holding Starlight (2)
"An otherworldly constellation's supernatural power waveform has been detected!"
"Location?"
"Yes, sir. Displaying the data now! From our current position..."
Even before the emergence of alien constellations, the fleet had countermeasures in place for supernatural powers, they said. For newly discovered constellations. Or for avatars contracted with space monsters or malevolent constellations.
"The supernatural power waveform far exceeds that of a typical avatar—Single Planet Restricted Spirit Body level. But the type is space monster, so alien constellations really do exist."
"We've loaded planet-destroying weapons in preparation for any contingencies. Shall we engage?"
"If it's Single Planet grade, the fleet's main guns should handle it, right? Approach on alert status for now."
Constellation, Whispering Star Cluster says that they look like glittering specks of dust.
"You're probably the only constellation who would describe a space fleet as dust, my lord."
I wanted to survey the presumed location of the alien constellation. But the AI information entity could only show me Federation territory or areas around my avatars. Visibility felt a bit restricted at times like this.
A voice echoed across the fleet at that moment. It felt like sound waves being jammed directly into living brains, and even the AI information entity could perceive it.
"Pests, huh. That's enough to count as hostile action, right?"
"The supernatural power aggregate presumed to be an alien constellation has revealed itself! Shall we send a message?"
A short distance from the mortal fleet. On the surface of a planet, a massive, cockroach-like deity emerged. Its size matched the planet's largest continent. A body that could swallow a space fleet in a few bites. It looked like it had been gnawing on the planet—had a planet-eating monster ascended to deity status? Not a pretty sight. A snake or octopus would look better.
"Federation law leaves us no choice. Activate protective shields and force fields, and send a warning message."
"Yes, sir!"
At the commander's order, a message for the alien constellation appeared on the hologram.
Alert from the Super Galactic Empire Federation 5th Fleet.
You are presumed to be classified with alien constellations that have committed terrorist acts against the Federation.
Unlike normal radio waves. These seemed designed to convey intent to immortal constellations. Like mass-produced comm gear lightly touched by an avatar with supernatural powers...
The alien constellation's psychic waves tangled messily with the fleet's message. No chance for negotiation or talk, it seemed. Intelligence wasn't low.
Alien constellations have posed a grave threat to the Super Galactic Empire Federation's unified constitutional order and sovereign star systems. If you have any objections or denials, cease hostile actions immediately and...
Shortly after the warning message displayed. The alien constellation launched a preemptive strike. Wings unfurled from the cockroach's body, crossing space toward the commander's warship. No idea what flapping wings meant in vacuum. Hideous jaws gaped, tentacles sprouting forth. Approach speed was impressive.
In response to clear hostility, the mortals acted swiftly.
Aurora-class shield loss. Force field at 40% integrity.
"Forward 6th Battalion requests permission to engage."
"Supernatural energy measured... Confirmed as constellation-grade between Single Planet Restricted Spirit Body and Planet Spirit."
"Engage. Aim for neutralization and capture, but kill if necessary."
Space battle against a god. This could be interesting.
* * *
Had there been atmosphere on the planet, thunderous roars would have echoed nonstop. Flashing beams crisscrossed space. Pummeling the massive cockroach body.
"Some electromagnetic equipment has malfunctioned."
"Force field remaining at 84%."
"Erebos pulverizer barrage—minimal target damage."
"Seems the exoskeleton is extremely thick! Did a planet-eating monster become a constellation?"
Mortals huddled in their metal fortress strained to block the giant monster's approach, while the space monster—deified by gluttony and desire—clung desperately, trying to peel away the thick shields.
Unknown supernatural power infiltrating ships. Unidentified organism intrusion detected.
"Max out the force fields and pin its movement with space anchors. And..."
"Commander! Ethereal monsters are spawning inside the entire fleet! Appears to be the constellation's power!"
"No way. Might be Planet Spirit-grade..."
Adjusting my view to check, sure enough, massive insectoid ghosts floated from the fleet's outskirts. Not sure if they were true ghosts. Normal weapons wouldn't work.
Sounded like a crisis for mortals. But 5th Fleet Commander Gustav's expression and tone remained unchanged.
"Stay calm. It's just Single Planet Restricted Spirit Body at best. If it were truly Planet Spirit, we'd be wiped out already."
"...But."
"This is small fry—not worth firing planet-destroyers. Avatars and anti-supernatural weapons are deployed per ship. Don't panic."
In truth, the small monsters infiltrating ships were few, and even those were blocked by supernatural suppression fields or avatars. Using such minor powers to sow chaos meant the alien constellation was struggling. If it were truly Planet Spirit-grade, the fleet would have unleashed planet-destroyers long ago.
The ethereal insect monsters—slightly larger than humans—could be handled by avatars. Naturally, my avatars were out hunting the intruders too.
Whoosh—
Splat.
Kieee—!!!
"Feels weird to hit. Like smashing water—it just scatters."
"Even the Kaiser is grumbling that it doesn't taste good-wa yo!"
"...You can understand summons now?"
"Yuna, really. How could I understand summon speech-wa yo? I just get the feeling that's what it's saying-wa yo!"
"......"
Setting aside Yuna swinging her hands lazily with an annoyed look, even Beatrix was now punching ethereal monsters barehanded. My avatars were growing stronger bit by bit. Still a long way off. At least able to take down something like the black dragon that appeared to similar humans in this dimension.
"Block the noisy psychic waves and keep firing. Capture looks impossible."
"Yes, sir. Fry it with Cyphrux plasma rounds!"
Silent barrages tore across space, slamming into the cockroach's carapace. The insect form ripped apart, shell fragments exploding everywhere. A fixed target in locked space—perfect for the fleet's barrage. Cracks spiderwebbed the once-impenetrable shell. It shattered soon after.
Surrounded warships blocked escape. Outgunned, repelled by bizarre fields. This was how fleets fought constellations: maintain max range, pour fire.
"Alien constellation's life signs weakening."
"Issue final ultimatum. Guarantee humane treatment if it surrenders now."
I messaged the avatars, who had returned after clearing ship intruders. Curious what happened if a constellation surrendered. Did they even have the tech to capture one?
Constellation, Whispering Star Cluster asks about the treatment of surrendered constellations.
"Ah, that's basically a bluff-wa yo. We don't accept surrenders from alien constellations anyway..."
...Just a show of humanitarianism, then.
* * *
—A little time passed. The alien constellation was shredded beyond recognition. Space floated with its fluids and body chunks. Ships blared warnings of unstable space from supernatural interference.
Meanwhile, the Federation 5th Fleet's losses were minimal.
"Adjutant! Report losses."
"Yes, sir. No warships impaired for combat. Most sustained light damage. Energy shields and force field losses exceed 30% total..."
Result of space battle with a near-Planet Spirit Single Planet Spirit Body constellation-grade: a few dead, some injured. Even those from surprise attacks by infiltrated monsters.
Could one fleet achieve this against a constellation if determined? Unlike the unprepared alien, these mortals were thoroughly prepped. Perhaps that's why the commander's face wasn't bright.
"...Truly small fry. Same class as Federation terrorists, but not allies."
"Then."
"Means we continue scouting. Dock at the nearest planet for maintenance first."
They dispatched a naturally occurring alien constellation so easily. When would lifeforms I created in this dimension reach such tech?
"...Huh?! Another supernatural waveform hit! Alien constellation signature. But..."
"Not a repulsive monster turned deity—this is a typical constellation's waveform."
"Two constellations detected on one planet."
Two constellations on one planet. Reminded me of the goddess and demon king on Beatrix's dispatched planet. Same case?
Something visible in space too.
"A huge tree? Analysis suggests high probability of Single Planet tree of life, like Sky-Supporting Great Tree."
"Park in planetary orbit first. Assemble a delegation. Confirm if it's Federation-friendly..."
A blue planet with a grown tree. Clearly deified, visible from space, but far smaller than the Great Tree. If Sky-Supporting Great Tree engulfed its planet, this one seemed parasitic—modest(?) in size.
Seeing the dainty tree on the planet, the Great Tree's words resurfaced.
......How wonderful it would be to bear fruit with such kin.
Ugh. Still creepy no matter how I think about it.
My clueless avatars were thrilled.
"My lord, we can inform Sky-Supporting Great Tree of kin discovered. Beira should do—coordinates here..."
Constellation, Whispering Star Cluster says to wait a moment.
If it suits me, maybe bring it to this dimension? Raising a sapling could be fun.