Ch 6 Chapter 6: First Mission – The Sea Beyond
The morning sun cast a warm glow over the Royal Navy docks, reflecting off the calm, rolling waves. Today was my first mission outside the safety of the base. My heart thumped as I stood beside Belfast, reviewing our orders.
"Milady," Belfast said, her voice calm yet serious, "the mission will be a reconnaissance operation in nearby waters. Siren activity has been reported, and we need to assess threats before they reach Royal Navy shipping lanes."
I nodded, gripping my staff. "Understood. Let's get moving."
As we prepared to set sail, the system's interface appeared in my mind, softly glowing. A new notification had popped up:
> [Host Equipment Overview — HMS Unicorn-Prime]
I focused, and a translucent screen floated before my eyes. The details were precise, almost like looking at a game menu, but somehow perfectly real:
Current Equipment:
Main Weapon: Unicorn's Staff (Fairy Wand) — Lv. 3
A support weapon capable of generating defensive barriers and minor offensive beams. Integrates with System to deploy fairy drones.
Secondary System: Fairy Drones (3 units) — Lv. 2
Autonomous support units providing healing, minor shielding, and energy redirection.
Armor/Chassis: Prototype Rigging — Lv. 2
Lightweight, water-resistant material enhancing agility and energy control. Adaptive upgrades available.
Special Module: System Core Alpha
The interface controlling your unique abilities. Currently 15% synchronization.
> System Notification: Equipment evolution potential detected.
I blinked. "Evolution potential…?"
> Affirmative, Host. Current equipment can evolve through usage, missions, and resource integration. New modules and weapons can also be purchased or acquired from allies and base facilities.
The screen updated automatically:
Evolution Paths:
Staff (Fairy Wand) → Lv. 5: Can deploy multiple fairy drones simultaneously and generate stronger barriers.
Prototype Rigging → Lv. 4: Grants minor energy absorption and temporary flight boost.
System Core Alpha → Lv. 20: Unlocks fleet-wide combat synchronization and hidden support abilities.
Available Equipment for Purchase / Acquisition:
Healing Array Module: Enhances Fairy Drone healing capabilities by +25%.
Rapid Deployment Module: Reduces barrier cooldown by 20%.
Advanced Sensors: Detects enemy units up to 500 meters, including stealth drones.
Offensive Amplifier: Increases energy beam damage by 15%, integrates with System Core.
I swallowed nervously. "So… I can actually get stronger. Evolve my equipment… maybe even get new gear?"
> Correct, Host. Acquisition requires resources, mission completion, or purchases at allied bases.
Belfast's voice cut through my thoughts. "Milady, are you prepared?"
"Yes," I said, tightening my grip on the staff. "Let's move."
---
We set sail, cutting through the waves. The Royal Navy flagship led the formation, and I took my place near the rear, coordinating with my fairy drones. The system hummed faintly, anticipating possible threats.
> Warning: Multiple Siren energy signatures detected 2 nautical miles ahead.
I looked at Belfast. "Looks like this mission is already starting with a bang."
She nodded. "Stay focused, milady. Let's see how well your equipment performs in the field."
I closed my eyes, feeling the hum of the staff, the fairy drones, and my rigging. My body had grown accustomed to the System's presence, but today would test just how far I could push it — and what new evolutions awaited me.
---
End of Chapter 6