Chương 116: Chapter 9:”Grasping the Situation and Sword Training”

For the past three days, I had been spending time at the hideout of the 『Gathering of Ausser-Chilion』. Thanks to an old-model computer designed to be usable by Humites, I was able to access as much information as I wanted. I used it to look up various things. The history of the conflict between Humite and Natura also became visible a little. The name of this planet seems to be 『Elntia』. Broadly speaking, there are two continents: the Eln Continent in the north and the Tia Continent in the south.

About 2, 000 years ago. A gruesome Nuclear War centered on the Tia Continent made most of this planet uninhabitable for humans. The surviving Humites fled to the Eln Continent, which was relatively less polluted. There, they built a huge shelter city 『Luon』 in this current location. The huge outer wall surrounding Diesnatura seems to have been originally built as a shelter. Incidentally, the upper part of the city is also said to be covered with an invisible transparent barrier that prevents radiation.

Then, Humites decided to focus on the reconstruction of the Tia Continent. However, their hearts were completely exhausted by the war. Also, they could no longer enter the Tia Continent directly because the pollution was too severe. So, they created machines that would do all the personal tasks and reconstruction work in the polluted areas instead. Shaped like humans to be friendly to Humites. Thinking and learning by themselves and working without being ordered by anyone. That was Natura.

They were to be manufactured, managed, and disposed of at the Central Factory and Central Processing Plant in Luon. The current civilization seems to be more declined than at that time, and the manufacturing technology of Natura itself has long been lost. Only the Central Factory, which continues to move without resting or breaking, continues to produce Natura even now. That's why the security of the Central Factory, which is the lifeline for Natura, seemed to be particularly strict.

Natura inherits what they learned to the next generation by technology imitating human mating. By doing so, higher artificial intelligence was created over time. It seems that it was thought to lead to improvement in work efficiency and communication ability. However, it is not known why the Humites of that time divided Natura into two types of units: Chilion and Adura. I said they inherit from parents, but for some reason, Chilions are not made as finished products from the beginning.

Without exception, they are born with intelligence only about that of a human baby at first. From there, they grow up like people and become independent. There are research results that Chilions up to about 15 years after manufacture have far higher learning abilities than other Natura. Apparently, not only the appearance, but the structure itself seems to be a little different from Adura. It is only imagination, but I think there might have been a need to divide them into Chilion and Adura.

I don't know if it's a technical necessity or a different reason. In the end, the reconstruction of the Tia Continent, which had become so desolate that not even a single root of grass grew, was extremely difficult even with the power of Natura. Reconstruction work did not progress, and many parts remain untouched since the war. Humites seem to have continued to treat Natura terribly like slaves for many years. Since they made them, they probably intended it to be natural.

However, the accumulation of wisdom through learning-type artificial intelligence and inheritance through generations caused an unexpected situation. Over a long time, Natura, who came to have high intelligence completely equal to humans. finally questioned their treatment and stood up seeking freedom and independence. It is said that Humites were overwhelmingly dominant at first. But after the Central Factory manufacturing Natura was taken, the situation changed completely.

Eventually, Natura, who completely seized Luon, renamed this city 『Diesnatura』 crowning their own name. Since then, both sides continued to fight frequently while remaining incompatible. Partly because machines are basically superior in physical ability and armament, Humites were gradually pushed by the difference in basic strength. Natura expanded their power steadily. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

About a hundred years ago, Natura finally conquered almost the Eln Continent and drove Humites to the Tia Continent. And leading to the present. The Tia Continent still has heavy pollution remaining. It is said that high-concentration radiation enough to cause death immediately just by stepping in remains in most areas. Humites no longer have the technology of the time when they built Luon, and there is almost no way to prevent radiation emitted from radioactivity existing everywhere.

It is said that the poor environment causes various diseases, leading to deformed children and infertility, causing a significant decline in the birth rate. Regardless of historical circumstances, for Humites to survive in the future, re-advancing to the Eln Continent with less pollution is absolutely necessary. Humite King Theorgunt Luna Turiome (the person Kudin and others called Theo) has fought to regain the right for Humites to live on the Eln Continent again.

However, now that public opinion is solidified almost anti-Humite, it seems to be a wish that doesn't come true easily. Well, is that about it roughly? I understood the general circumstances, and I could also understand Natura's claim that Humites are sinful existences. But looking at history, the trend was decided a hundred years ago, and Natura's victory is unshakable. What irony that Humites are now receiving completely opposite treatment. It is unbearable to leave Humites to perish as it is.

Because they themselves living now have no sin. No, Natura would say they still turn their blades against them. In fact, it is said that incidents such as terrorism by Humites sometimes occur. However, I think it cannot be helped to stand up if anyone is oppressed enough to endanger their existence. But on the other hand, I also understand well the feeling of Natura as a citizen fearing Humites. Hmm. The more I know, the more delicate the problem is.

But if I take a stand, I still want to stand on the side of the weak Humite. I don't intend to side with them thoroughly, but just help a little. As far as I check, Theo seems to be a conscientious person who prioritizes peaceful solutions. It should be okay to help him at least. I don't think I can change everything, but I hope I can help a little so that the situation improves. By the way. There is one thing I am concerned about.

Documents written about history before 2, 000 years ago when the Great War occurred were unnaturally absent at all... Something sticks in my mind. Even if I investigate, it feels somewhat uncleared. Why are there so many things settled as unknown or unclear? Why did civilization decline? Why did they bother to make Natura, which is undoubtedly over-spec for mere reconstruction work? Couldn't they predict that this might happen eventually if they gave them high intelligence poorly? —I don't know.

Well, even if I think about it without materials, it can't be helped. Today too, having finished a general investigation, I headed to the shooting range of the hideout. Even though it's a shooting range, I'm not going to practice shooting. It was because I couldn't find a suitable room wide enough to practice swordsmanship elsewhere. I asked Kudin and had this room lent to me specially. In the case provided on the wall, many firearms made in this world are lined up.

Looking at guns, I remember Mom, who was a gun maniac to the bone in her lifetime. If Mom came here, she would surely have test-fired everything with shining eyes. And undoubtedly, I would be made to accompany her until I was exhausted. The figure of Mom with a cheerful smile holding a handgun in one hand floated in my mind, making me feel nostalgic. The corners of my mouth loosened a little. Moving to the midpoint between the shooting stand and the target, I took out a Qi Sword and entered sword training.

Downward slash, upward slash, sweeping, diagonal slash. While being conscious of each movement, I do it carefully and repeatedly with spirit. Eventually, a high-pitched boy's voice called from behind.

"Oh, Yu. What are you doing~?"" Ryuto, huh." Ryuto, who was surprised enough to turn heaven and earth upside down at first knowing that I was the same person as that girl, was also the fastest to get used to it. Partly due to his naturally friendly personality, he talks to me more familiarly than anyone else. While swinging the sword slowly according to the form, I said.

"Sword training. I try to do it every day as much as possible so that my skills don't get dull."

"Hee. You're serious~." He is watching my training with great interest. After a while, he said as if he suddenly thought of it.

"That pouch on your waist, it's already tattered. Won't you buy a new one?"

"Ah, this." I stopped swinging the sword a little and looked at the waist pouch worn out from use.

"This is an important item given by a certain person. Memories won't disappear even if the object is gone, but it's a precious thing made for me. I intend to use it carefully until it becomes absolutely unusable."

"Hmm. A certain person, huh. Like Remi or Boss for me?"

"Yeah. We became separated, but—everyone is an irreplaceable precious comrade." I recalled the faces of everyone in that land far away. I can't meet them anymore, but I haven't forgotten them even for a moment. It's already been four years since then. I wonder if everyone is doing well. I'm doing well for the time being. I start swinging the sword again. Strength entered my arm. Sensei (Master). Have I caught up with you a little? When I wield the sword like this, I feel Sensei just a little.

It was hard, having thoughts of dying many times. But because those days of training existed. Because those days of fighting existed, the current me exists. Everything I experienced in that world is a memory like a jewel that doesn't fade even now. I speed up the sword with flowing movements. Using my feet too, I move around conscious of actual combat. Every time I swing, the sword cut the air sharply like lightning. Ryuto is widening his eyes at my movements as if his heart was captivated.

When I finished with [Senkraze], applause rose from the entrance of the shooting range.

"Wonderful swordsmanship. It's fascinating. Lasla seems likely to be itching to have a match." Looking back. He looks about thirty years old. A brown-haired old man with a tasteful and dignified face was walking up. He had a relatively large and sturdy physique, making me feel more strength than anyone I have seen in this world so far. Ryuto seemed to know him,"Ah, it's William! He really came! Coool. It's the real thing." He was shining his eyes like a boy.

Coming closer, I could see several small old scars on the man's face.

"My name is William McCary. I serve as the Captain of Lunatope. I heard about you from Kudin. Nice to meet you." Saying so, he holds out his right hand. I also held out my right hand and responded to it. Apparently, Lunatope has arrived.