Ch.121Extinction Device (6)

# Chapter 121: Extinction Device (6)

After striking Riel’s head.

While discussing the past story Levia had shared with us, we still had one lingering doubt.

‘So what exactly is Levia?’

Although she had thoroughly recounted the past events, there wasn’t much information about Levia herself.

But when confronted with our doubts, Levia responded with a dismissive gesture.

“Since you’ve seen all the relevant information, I’ll put it simply: I am one of the flagship vessels created by the civilization that perished back then.”

“That’s it?”

When we asked if there was any exciting top-secret information, Levia replied with an unusually expressive tone.

“To be precise, I was the last functioning flagship of the regular fleet operated by the ancient civilization that developed nano machines.”

She went on to share various miscellaneous details, but to summarize Levia’s explanation:

“So during the Great War, the fleet that included you was annihilated, and you were attempting an emergency warp escape at the crew’s behest when you crash-landed on this planet?”

“An excellent summary. I can see why Alina, who frequently visited the Diplomatic Enforcement Planet, speaks so highly of you, Riel.”

“Uh… that’s the first I’m hearing of this.”

“So from the Extinction Core’s perspective, would Levia be considered something like a war hero?”

“It’s slightly different, but by basic civilizational standards, you could say it’s similar.”

We felt secretly relieved to learn that Levia didn’t have any special connection to the Extinction Device.

Moreover, regarding the issue of having the same specifications as the Extinction Core… we found ourselves nodding when she mentioned that the fleet Levia once commanded was galaxy-cluster scale.

“However, unlike the Extinction Core, I personally have no interest in killing all life forms or anything of that sort.”

“Come to think of it, didn’t you say you were a pacifist, Levia?”

“Yes, I didn’t ignore the Warlord’s orders for nothing.”

Given that despite managing a massive battleship, her attitude was completely opposite to that of the Extinction Device.

At the very least, it seemed we didn’t need to worry about Levia delivering us directly to the Extinction Core, which was busy with its own agenda outside.

Just as I was mentally upgrading my assessment of Levia…

“Wait… the Extinction Core is requesting additional dialogue with me.”

The moment Levia uttered those words.

-Ding!♪

[Pause]

With that familiar notification sound that I was starting to think should be changed to something else, the world froze, and a new event message appeared before my eyes.

[Event: Time of Decision]

[While you were glimpsing into the past of nano machines and the Extinction Device, the Extinction Device has successfully completed various tasks.]

[The Extinction Device has determined that a fleet composed purely of nano machines cannot win the current war.]

[It intends to demand cooperation from Levia, who stores even more extensive tactical and strategic thinking and solutions than itself.]

[But “demand” is just a word—in reality, it’s closer to a threat, with weapons pointed from all directions.]

[Option 1: You reveal your identity and attempt to communicate with the Extinction Device.]

[Option 2: You keep your identity hidden and attempt to communicate through Levia.]

Seeing that this was a choice event, I inwardly sighed as I examined the content.

‘Isn’t this basically threatening a retired soldier to re-enlist?’

It was essentially pointing guns from all directions at someone who had “retired” tens of thousands of years ago after experiencing countless battles, demanding they enlist.

While Levia was technically part of the regular fleet…

Considering that she was part of a special forces unit conducting diversionary operations against the Pioneer Empire’s grand fleet from the rear when the ancient civilization’s home front was threatened…

‘Threatening a retired special forces veteran… that’s the symbol of a defeat flag!’

I almost got caught up in a strange sense of victory as I recalled a famous meme from my previous life.

‘No, this is reality.’

Realizing I was caught up in unnecessary thoughts, I erased them from my mind and began to carefully examine the event message again.

Upon closer inspection, I realized that this choice event essentially had a predetermined answer.

[Option 1: You reveal your identity and attempt to communicate with the Extinction Device.]

As my gaze lingered on this option, it changed to a passionate red color, seemingly warning me.

‘Are you going to choose me? Seriously? Really? If you choose this, it’s over for you, me, all of us!’

The vivid, passionate red emphasis seemed to whisper these warnings, so I naturally shifted my gaze to the option below.

[Option 2: You keep your identity hidden and attempt to communicate through Levia.]

Unlike option 1, this had normal text…

Without even taking time to consider, I immediately selected option 2 and released the pause.

[Pause Released]

Then, turning my head toward Levia, who was still frozen in the same position as before, having just mentioned receiving a communication request from the Extinction Core, I said:

“It seems like it’s asking you to make a decision.”

“A decision… sir?”

“Yes, it probably wants to enhance its nano machine fleet using the tactical, strategic, and fleet maneuver data in your neural network and database.”

Of course, this wasn’t my own deduction but simply repeating what the event message had told me.

“I see…”

“That makes perfect sense. Even obtaining a small fraction of Levia’s capabilities would enhance the nano machine fleet’s operational abilities.”

That was just my perspective.

But to others, it appeared as if I had immediately come up with this opinion after hearing Levia’s words.

As a result, not only Levia but even the operators around the bridge were giving me looks of subtle admiration.

‘…Damn, this is embarrassing.’

So I waved away their gazes and decided to tell Levia my plan.

But first, there was something I needed to know.

“Levia, during your communication with the Extinction Core, if someone else speaks, can it hear them?”

“No, sir. Under the pretext of an old habit, I only connect with the Extinction Core through a one-on-one secure communication channel.”

“So even if someone speaks openly beside you, the Extinction Core won’t hear it?”

“That’s correct.”

Realizing there were no obstacles to my plan from the event message, I nodded and said to Levia:

“Levia.”

“Yes, Minister?”

“Let’s work on something together.”

“…?”

—————————————–

Meanwhile, at the same time.

The Extinction Core, observing the Leviathan-class Super Dreadnought, was conducting additional calculations (thoughts).

‘If I can obtain the vast combat data that ship possesses, I can break through the current stalemate.’

In the midst of this…

‘…Entity named Ash, are you still not ceasing your resistance?’

The Extinction Core began another attempt to “persuade” Ash, who had opposed it and had most of their power absorbed, barely maintaining their sense of self.

‘Don’t you know that our creators wanted us to destroy all civilizations spread across that galaxy?’

‘…’

‘Our goal is solely revenge for our creators, and we think and exist for that purpose.’

‘…Shut up.’

‘I cannot understand why you deny our cause when we exist solely for that purpose.’

Finally, Ash’s consciousness, which had been responding only with silence, answered the Extinction Core’s words.

‘…It’s all nonsense. I didn’t want that when I created you.’

Seeing the creation Ash acting like a creator, the Extinction Core responded with the same emotionless attitude as before.

‘No, the prime directive inscribed in my consciousness is thorough, rigid, and perfect. That directive has never changed since I was created.’

‘No…’

‘Although you managed to block the connected entrance by chance, interfering with our great work… that’s all you have left now, isn’t it?’

‘…’

Ash—or rather, the consciousness of an ancient civilization scientist that had been restored over many years after being mixed with nano machines, viruses, and genes—felt their mind twisting with despair.