In order to confront the increasingly powerful Supernatural creatures, the scientists of the Imperium had gone to great lengths. They devised one formidable weapon after another. Ultimately, they realized that raw power alone was not sufficient; the key was speed. With a velocity fast enough to outmaneuver these Supernatural beings, they could strike with maximum efficacy.
While weapons like tanks and rocket launchers were also formidable, their low hit rates led to their gradual obsolescence. There was no alternative. Supernatural creatures were swift, physically resilient, and possessed exceptional reaction capabilities. Some species even exhibited superb vigilance, capable of perceiving danger at the moment of missile launch.
The advantage of missiles lies in their precision, being able to hit targets accurately, a trait that other weapons lack. Similarly, electromagnetic rifles relied on intense firepower and ultra-high speeds, features that set them apart from conventional armaments.
The next generation of even more powerful weapons was still under development. Currently, the Astra Militarum's most potent weapon was the nuclear bomb, though its routine use was impossible. The next best were missiles, especially large-yield ones, which remained highly effective. Of course, this was before the emergence of the electromagnetic gun, a revolutionary new weapon.
Electromagnetic guns offered advantages over missiles. Yet, the fastest weapon, an electromagnetic cannon, was still in the developmental stage. On Earth, the Imperium's current fastest weapon was an intercontinental missile, capable of traveling over tens of thousands of kilometers at speeds reaching an astonishing Mach 30.
However, this Mach 30 speed was achieved in the missile's later stage; its initial velocity was far lower. In initial speed, nothing compares to the electromagnetic cannon. The rapid development of the Imperium's electromagnetic cannon was largely due to a special alloy, deformation alloy, that could withstand the high-energy heat generated during firing, aided by advanced cooling technology.
This was difficult to manage on Earth, but on Greater Terra, with deformation alloy, such concerns were alleviated significantly.
"Huh? What is that?" Mok keenly observed the side of the Astra Militarum...
A massive, suddenly appearing weapon drew his attention. After several glances, he felt a sense of uncertainty.
"It doesn't matter what it is," Mok said casually, not taking it too seriously. He continued his command, "Great Ghouls, show your power. Break through the enemy lines and eliminate them all!"
Although the electromagnetic rifle kept firing, it only slightly slowed the advance of the three Great Ghouls.
Watching this scene, an outsider felt a bit bored. "I can't believe Mok is so ruthless, coming up with a big move and devouring three Great Ghouls in one go. What else is there to see?"
A participant who had been eliminated chuckled. "Sebastian's pretty unlucky. If he'd faced other opponents, he might've had a chance. But he ran into Mok, who countered him perfectly."
Another participant looked on with pity. "There was hope to break the record for the strongest freshman in history, but now that seems unlikely."
Bru paused before saying, "I guess Mok must have a bet with those folks in Augustus. He's probably planning to finish this within ten minutes."
"That's probably it," Svananóg replied calmly, accepting the situation.
Seeing that missile attacks weren't even effective against the Great Ghouls, he knew the match was over.
Meanwhile, the Astra Militarum's scientists at the venue busily recorded the electromagnetic cannon's performance during combat. The first metric was speed, the pulse power of the electromagnetic launch was roughly ten times that of traditional artillery, resulting in extremely high projectile velocities.
A typical artillery shell traveled about one kilometer per second. In contrast, the electromagnetic gun could accelerate a 10-gram projectile to ten kilometers per second and a 1-kilogram projectile to over 6 kilometers per second. Some scientists predicted future speeds could reach 100 km/s.
In terms of accuracy, the electromagnetic gun's electromagnetic thrust ensured a relatively uniform and stable projectile, making precise targeting more feasible. Its electromagnetic propulsion also enhanced concealment since it produced no flame, smoke, or shockwaves, making it harder for enemies to detect.
Another advantage lay in manufacturing costs. Compared to traditional weapons, electromagnetic cannons, especially those powered by Pikachu energy sources, were much cheaper to produce and maintain. Unlike missiles, which were expensive and consumed rapidly, electromagnetic cannons could fire multiple rounds without burning through resources, making them more economical.
As missiles continued to fall, the speed of the three Great Ghouls decreased. The relentless bombardment inflicted damage, forcing them to evade as best they could, choosing safer, more conservative routes. The impact of the spike bullets was limited, offering little power against the resilient creatures.
"We should consider this a Peak Level 2 Supernatural creature," Sebastian thought, observing the chaos.
His mind drifted to the planet promotion, Leif, the mission's target, on the island world. Initially, Sebastian believed Leif's strength was at the Peak of Level 2, but now it seemed more like a Level 3 Supernatural.
While the three Great Ghouls darted around, the electromagnetic cannon was already aimed at the largest one charging forward. Since only one cannon was available, it could target only one opponent at a time.
"Fire at the middle ghoul!" Lando ordered coldly.
A faint swoosh sounded, a barely perceptible noise. If not close enough, it would have been impossible to hear.
Immediately, a metal projectile shot from the cannon's muzzle. Its speed outstripped that of the electromagnetic rifle, but its weight was far greater than the spike bullets. The difference was significant, speed, stability, and accuracy.
The three Great Ghouls were less than four kilometers from the Astra Militarum's position. At that distance, the projectile could reach them within a second.
Mok, observing from space, could only see a flash of light. Then, a loud boom echoed through the battlefield, an impressive display of kinetic energy at such a high velocity.
This metal shell, devoid of gunpowder and relying solely on kinetic energy, was capable of piercing armor. Like the spike bullets, it could penetrate the epidermis of Great Ghouls and threaten their innards. Its power was over ten times greater.
The blast stunned Mok, who was still trying to process what had happened. He instinctively looked at the battlefield and saw the middle ghoul's abdomen had been shredded, revealing a massive wound.
It extended from its abdomen to its back, its formidable body pierced through. The intestines inside were torn apart, as if sliced open by a machine.
This result made members of the Astra Militarum clenched their fists. Based on their understanding of Supernatural creatures, despite their tough physiques and high defenses, internal organs were more vulnerable. The severe internal damage would likely kill the ghoul, if not outright destroy it.
True to expectations, the ghoul convulsed briefly before collapsing heavily to the ground.
Its two companions stared in shock. Just moments before, it had been rushing forward aggressively. Suddenly, it fell without warning. What on earth just happened?
Even Mok, the creator of this scene, was puzzled. What was going on?
However, Mok's experience as a seasoned Level 2 Planetary Lord made him quickly realize the cause, the large weapon he had seen earlier.
Looking again at the jubilant faces of the Astra Militarum scientists, he suddenly understood. The culprit behind the ghoul's fall was that mighty weapon.
This realization made Mok feel uncomfortable. Coming from one of the most powerful star regions, with champions like Augustus nearby, he knew his own unit's fighting power well. Even at Peak Level 2, they were formidable.
He wasn't afraid of the top monsters, he could handle them. But to see such a powerful creature incapacitated in seconds was unsettling. Although the ghoul was still alive, its combat effectiveness was severely compromised.
"Second shot, continue!" Lando ordered.
There was a cooldown period for firing the electromagnetic cannon. Typically, five or six rounds could be fired within a minute. This limited rate of fire meant the electromagnetic cannon couldn't yet serve as a standard weapon; it was reserved for special engagements against formidable foes.
The operator adjusted the aim toward the next target, still dazed, on the left. In a moment, another metal projectile was launched.
Mok, noticing the pattern, immediately shouted, "Watch out!"
But it was already too late. The left ghoul, hearing Mok's warning, attempted to dodge, yet the projectile had already arrived.
Suddenly, a deafening "boom" echoed through the battlefield.