Editing Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 13 Chapter 1 (section)

===Part 2===

Slicing through the night sky, flying past stars and clouds, the battleship advanced through the air.

On the bridge of this ship, outfitted with lost technology, I—Mononobe Yuu—looked up at the external scenery shown on a monitor.

Between gaps in the clouds flowing past, one could see countless twinkling stars with occasional fleeting glimpses of the moon.

It was currently 22:00. Counting from the time when Mitsuki flew off from Marduk, roughly four hours had elapsed.

"How does it feel, 2nd Lieutenant Mononobe? To ride in my ''Naglfar''."

Observing the bridge, sitting in the captain's seat was a man—Major Loki Jotunheim—who asked me in a smiling voice.

Indeed, instead of Marduk, my current location was inside the ''Naglfar'', the anti-dragon battleship belonging to NIFL.

"It's much less stable than Marduk. Also, the engine noice is a bit of a bother."

I offered him my honest opinion.

Perhaps strongly affected by air currents, the ship was shaking frequently. The engine's piercing noise was also quite an ordeal for the ears. Not a pleasant ride.

"Hoho, oh well, that's only to be expected when compared to Marduk. That ship is most likely filled with technology that we of NIFL have yet to replicate. In spite of that, you still disposed of it—What a waste."

"I've said so many times already. Left alone, the engine was going to explode. The aftershock of the explosion could cause immense destruction."

Without any change in expression, I gave the superficial reason.

In reality, I did it to prevent NIFL from getting their hands on Marduk.

Although we needed "legs" to chase after Mitsuki, the ''Naglfar'' was the only surviving means of transport nearby. All other ships and aircraft had been destroyed by Bahamut's attacks.

As a result, we had requested aid from Major Loki, captain of the ''Naglfar'', but had we left Marduk behind, NIFL would have taken it.

Were NIFL to obtain technology beyond their current level, it would probably lead to a crisis for us Ds. Consequently, I had Iris disintegrate Marduk completely using Catastrophe.

But ever since we moved to their ship, they had been showing displeasure regarding this matter. Not just Major Loki but also that machine intellect too—

"In that case, just eliminate the engine! Are you retarded?"

The bridge monitor flickered momentarily before a young girl with transparent wings appeared.

Although she looked similar to a fairy from folklore, Atla was actually the ultimate machine intellect that had been responsible for managing and running the civilization of Atlantis before it was lost. It would be no exaggeration to call her "Ultimate Wisdom" Atlantis.

Buried in the ruins of Atlantis, data for constructing her had been carved onto stone tablets. Using this as a foundation, NIFL had revived this machine intellect.

But apparently, only Atla's core was reconstructed due to losses in the saved data. As a result, both the virtual avatar shown on the screen and her behavior were quite childish.

"Just as a precaution. Marduk has weapons everywhere. Who knows if things could go wrong somehwere and cause explosions?"

I shrugged and brushed off Atla's accusation.

"Grrrr..."

Pouting, Atla's kept glaring at me unhappily, but I did not pay her any attention. Instead, I turned my gaze to Major Loki.

"By the way, Major Loki, are you really going to assist us without any strings attached?"

When we first made the request, he had accepted without mentioning any terms or conditions... But I had my doubts the whole time.

"Indeed. Naturally, I hoped you could have provided me with Marduk if possible, but from the start, I never intended to make this a condition. After all, you guys are the trump card for saving the world and mankind."

Major Loki nodded after smiling faintly, then continued.

"There are unknown territories remaining at North Africa and the Southern Atlantic—as well as dragons possibly hidden within them. To oppose them, your power is essential. Although we have our differences, ultimately, what matters is saving the world. I have no intention of saying useless things. Do whatever you want."

"That's very... generous of you."

Although I was grateful for what he had said, it felt quite suspicious for developments to unfold so easily. Making a deal would put me more at ease.

"I believe this is for the best. Because you defeated me. Instead of me taking command, you will surely lead us to a better result."

''It would be problem otherwise''—Major Loki's eyes seemed to say as he gazed at me.

In other words, so long as I continued to meet his expectations, he would continue to offer assistance generously. Despite feeling extraordinary pressure, I still nodded without hesitation.

"Very well. Of course."

After I asserted myself, Major Loki smiled with satisfaction.
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At that moment, a panicking voice was heard from the monitor.

"Master! Bad news! The unknown territory in North Africa disappeared! Confirmed through satellite surveillance, the swallowed cities and people seem to be unharmed."

Hearing this, Major Loki brought his hand to the corner of his lips. I too looked in surprise at the satellite image displayed on the monitor.

Indeed, the black dome of the unknown territory was no longer there.

"Did Mitsuki do that...? But that's way too fast—"

I groaned with disbelief. She had only flown off four hours ago. Even if traveling on a supersonic jet, this was not enough time to reach the African continent.

Hearing my whisper, Major Loki spoke with a stiff expression.

"However, there is no one else capable of doing this apart from her, right? Then we should accept reality. And what we must do is alter our course. Atla—head over to the Southern Atlantic unknown territory at maximum speed."

"Affirmative, Master."

Atla bowed from the monitor.

Next, the ''Naglfar'' slowly changed course. Even from the bridge, it was possible to hear the engine noise increase.

Incidentally, the only member of NIFL on the ''Naglfar'' was Major Loki. The rest of the crew had apparently disembarked before the battle against Bahamut. Even so, controlling the ship was apparently not a problem as long as Atla was present.

"I will tell the others about this."

I turned around to head back to the cabins where my friends were resting.

"2nd Lieutenant Mononobe, it will take six hours no matter how much we hurry. You should get some rest too."

"—Yes. I understand."

Despite my impatience, I controlled my feelings and nodded. If I were to falter, everyone else would worry.

I took a deep breath to adjust my emotions. Next, I saluted Major Loki briefly then left the bridge.