Shark-class assemble - 13

Aqua POV

The Wisdom Cube production cycle is finally complete. The time required to produce a single cube has now been reduced to four hours. This efficiency is remarkable, considering the experimental nature of this entire facility. However, creating a standalone version with significantly reduced energy and computational requirements—roughly eight times lower than the current setup. Based on my calculations, a standalone facility would take an entire week to produce just one Wisdom Cube.

For now, it's simply not worth it. Producing only one Kansen per week is far too slow, and at that rate, forward bases would function more as outposts for stationing Kansen, T-Dolls, Plane Girls, and Tank Girls, rather than places where they could be manufactured.

 can't help but recall an old saying: "Logistics wins wars." It seems I'll need to put more effort into streamlining this aspect of our operations.

At least the maritime side of things is covered. I already have Breaker-class Kansen acting as submarine cargo haulers, and with our latest breakthroughs in water-to-resource conversion, maintaining a presence in coastal areas with abundant water access has become feasible indefinitely.

Land logistics, on the other hand, remain a glaring problem. While coastal bases won't pose much of an issue, establishing and maintaining supply lines inland could prove difficult. Breaker-class delivery systems are functional, but they create vulnerable supply lines susceptible to enemy attacks.

As I hear a soft ding, I glance up from the blank designer template on my tablet. One hand is still clasped around Amy's as she smiles warmly at me. Her presence pulls me out of my deep thoughts.

I realize how often I seem to lose myself in planning these days.

We step into the elevator, heading upwards. Helena follows close behind, sulking after losing a game of rock-paper-scissors for the right to hold my hand.

Amy hears her and smirks. "Then you should've won."

The elevator dings again, and we exit, making our way toward the underwater shipyard.

("Terra, call all Support Models. We're setting up the perimeter grid now.")

I issue the command through my comms while still mulling over the land logistics issue.

Future Aqua's problem, I remind myself. For now, there's construction work to be done.

As we approach the underwater shipyard, I summon my submarine rigging. Amy and Helena touch the rigging, disappearing inside. One by one, Terra and the rest of the Support Models arrive, each entering my hull. With everyone aboard, I dive out of the base into the deep ocean, activating a 3D hologram map to guide the operation.

Hestia has already begun construction from the northwest, heading eastward. She's completed four sensor towers, including one missile turret between them. Her efficiency match her being MCV. After finishing the sensor towers, her next task will be to install Avalon laser turrets at precise intervals—500 square meters apart from each grid node. Additionally, Fog Spires will be integrated into the grid to cloak the area in dense fog, rendering it impenetrable to enemy sensors.

I gonna start from the southeast then as I propel my submarine forward, mentally preparing for the tedious hours ahead.

*7 hours later, think minecraft timelapse for entirely mega base but underwater where light don't reach*

Seven hours. That's how long it took to complete just two of the five perimeter rows. It's a grueling process, even with Hestia's impressive production output dwarfing my own. I ride my submarine bike alongside her as we head back to the base.

"That took forever," I complain, reclining lazily on my bike. My 3D hologram map reappears, showing our progress. The 10-kilometer grid is finally taking shape, complete with rows of missile turrets, Avalon laser turrets, and Fog Spires. The dense fog now blankets a 12-kilometer radius around the base, impenetrable to any external sensors or sonar. Meanwhile, our advanced sensors cut through the fog effortlessly, giving us a clear view of the surroundings.

With this setup, I can confidently declare the base unbreachable—short of an attack from a superweapon. Even the Paradox Engine, the Allies faction's flying fortress designed to counter Soviet forces, wouldn't pose a threat here. Its thrusters aren't suited for underwater combat, let alone the crushing depths of the ocean. This base is secure.

"That's why you built me, Aqua-chan~," Hestia chimes in, her cheerful voice breaking my train of thought. She pulls her submarine closer to mine and playfully squishes my cheek.

"N-no!" I stammer, flustered, as she grins mischievously. The base's entrance comes into view, guarded by multiple graviton missile turrets and Avalon laser cannons. The supply depots connecting the main base to the forward bases ensure a steady income of resources—currently $4,000 every ten seconds. It's a promising start.

As Hestia continues teasing me, I check the research queue. Two more projects have been completed. Good progress.

[Research box #1 assigning 'Fleet wide Submarine hull integration' Estimated time left: 1 weeks 6 days]

[Research box #2 'Counter intelligence' Estimated time left: 1 weeks 6 days]

[Research box #3 'Vertical farming' finished research]

[Research box #4 'Spy Satellite' Estimated time left: 1 years]

[Research box #5 'Super Graviton Laser' Estimated time left: 8 hours]

[Research box #6 'Wave Front Armor' Estimated time left: 6 days 8 hours]

[Research box #7 'Optical Camouflage' finished research]

[Research box #8 'High atmosphere Stealth Surveillance UAV' Estimated time left: 6 days 15 hour]

The completion of Optical Camouflage marked a significant milestone. With it, I could finally create a functional scout team to go find that Epsilon base. "Hestia, can you help me design a vertical farm blueprint?" I asked, my voice muffled as she affectionately squeezed me in a playful gesture then start making on the blueprint as she bring up her own designer app. Meanwhile, I reassigned two research slots to expedite the High-Atmosphere Stealth Surveillance UAV project.

[Research box #8 'High atmosphere Stealth Surveillance UAV' Estimated time left: 2 days]

"Huh, that's faster than expected," I murmured. Having UAVs up and running in just two days would be a game-changer. As I prepared to switch back to the default hoodie design, I decided to integrate the Optical Camouflage plating into it. The concept was simple: a network of tiny reflective mirror plates connected, working together on a nanoscale to manipulate light and render the wearer invisible. Surprisingly, it wasn't energy-intensive either—a major plus.

After updating the design, I heard a faint whirring sound from within my hull. Apparently, Helena still wearing the default hoodie got upgrade with the new optical camouflage.

As we surfaced from the underwater shipyard, I received the completed Vertical Farming blueprint from Hestia. It was a hydroponic design—perfect for our base's food supply. Finally, we could grow our own produce, eliminating dependence on outside sources. "Too bad we don't have meat," I mused. "Could we replicate it through atomic restructuring?" The idea intrigued me, but the risk of accidentally creating something akin to 'flesh that hates' from the SCP universe made me shudder. "Yeah, better research that thoroughly before trying anything," I muttered to myself.

The crew began appearing as we unsummoned our rigging. I turned to Hestia. "Thank you," I said sincerely, finalizing the vertical farm design and clicking 'Generate'.

[Vertical farm]

Cost: $100 x 10 (Wargirls)

Power: -20 x 10 (Wargirls)

Hitpoints: 1000 + 1000 (Wargirls)

Prerequisite: MCV

Purpose: Wargirl's food production

Armor Class: Light Structure

"Looks like we've officially added a second civilian building," I said aloud, recalling that the simulator hadn't classified as one due to its veterancy-increasing effects.

I turned to Hestia again. "Can you help me excavate the area beneath the residential building? Actually, just dig out the entire floor underneath, as long as it doesn't interfere with the underwater shipyard. I don't want any leaks, plus more space always good."

As Hestia began her work, I noticed someone approaching—a familiar figure in a maid outfit with striking white hair.

"Belfast?" I asked, stunned by how closely she resembled the character from Azur Lane.

The woman curtsied gracefully. "Commander," she greeted me formally.

I nodded in return as Belfast went to help the other Support models decorate the base, still puzzled by her behavior. Support Model = Cruiser? No, that didn't seem quite right.

"She remind me of someone," I said, deciding not to press further. Her presence raised more questions than answers. Why is she here already? Shouldn't something like this require some sort of wisdom cube shenanigans?

The other Support models, like Terra and Tessa, were also benefiting from the vertical farming research we had completed. Thanks to it, we now had access to greenery—actual greenery. Trees, plants, and flowers were being introduced to the base to make it feel more alive.

At the end we excavate the whole floor, I'd also built the vertical farm beneath the residential buildings. It was a towering structure, a full 100 meters in height, with multiple floors dedicated to different crops. With food production handled, the freed-up space around the base could now be repurposed for other projects.

Actually... now that I think about it, it's time to start working on the Air Force, well soon after I awakening two more Kansen today.

"Thanks for helping, Hestia," I said as I turned toward her. "Would you like to watch the other two Kansen awaken?"

"Sure, Aqua-chan!" Hestia replied with her usual cheerfulness.

I checked my internal clock. Eight hours had passed already, meaning two more wisdom cubes were ready. Two more Kansen would be joining us today.

Hestia and I made our way to the elevator. As we ascended, I used my nanoswarms to retrieve the wisdom cubes, ensuring they'd be waiting for us by the dock. When the elevator doors opened, we stepped out and walked toward the shipyard.

On the way, I couldn't help but admire the greenery that was starting to flourish around the base. The park now had actual trees, flowers, and a few neatly trimmed bushes. Benches were scattered about, offering a place to sit and relax.

I made a mental note: The ceiling's lighting setup is good for now, but I can definitely do better. It might be time to work on that upgrade soon.

Finally, we arrived at the shipyard. There, two Shark-class mini submarines were waiting in the dock. Their sleek hulls floated slightly above the water, the wisdom cubes held in place by nanoswarms. I commanded my nanoswarms to push the wisdom cubes to merge with their respective mini-subs, and we both watched as the cubes disappeared, their energy flowing into the vessels.

From these shimmering streams, two small girls began to materialize. Their bodies formed first, followed by their swimsuits, which seemed to assemble themselves molecule by molecule. As the glow faded, their personalities began to shine through.

The first girl, with short black hair, immediately struck a playful pose. "Gawr~!" she exclaimed, mimicking a scaring gesture that was more adorable than frightening.

The second girl, identical in appearance but noticeably more composed, observed her sister's antics before turning her attention to me. She crossed her arms and stood tall, exuding a quiet confidence.

"I'm Rupture," she said, her voice steady and clear. "A Shark-class mini sub creator."

I nodded, appreciating her straightforwardness. "Good to meet you, Rupture. And you too, Gawr," I said, glancing at the first girl, who seemed to have decided her name based on her earlier exclamation. "You can call me Aqua."

I paused for a moment, scratching the back of my head. "You know, I should really start including some kind of call me 'Aqua' in the knowledge packages. It'd save us some trouble during these awakenings."

The two girls exchanged a glance before looking back at me, waiting for further instructions.

"Alright," I began, "here's what you need to do. Each of you will form a five-person crew. I recommend at least one or two Support models and one Combat model. You'll be working closely with them, so make sure you pick your team carefully. Also, leave one spot open for a Strike Witch. I'll start working on those after we deal with this Epsilon base operation."

Gawr tilted her head curiously at the mention of Strike Witches, while Rupture nodded, already seeming to grasp the importance of the crew dynamics.

"When you're done, meet me at the park," I said, gesturing towards the barracks. Both girls nodded, turning and heading off to Build their own teams.

As they departed, I turned to Hestia. "Thanks for the help, Hestia. I'm going to meet Amy and Helena now. You're free to rejoin your crew."

She gave me a warm smile and a quick wave before heading off, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

As I walked towards the park, I couldn't help but reflect on one of my more significant challenges—developing Strike Witches. I'd been procrastinating on this project for a while, mostly because of my lack of knowledge about planes. While I had a basic understanding of World War II-era technology like the Dauntless and the Spitfire, I had never really delved into the mechanics of propeller-based aircraft.

Strangely enough, I felt more confident about jet engines, thanks to my experience with From the Depths.

The park was as serene as ever, the greenery lush and vibrant thanks to our recent advancements in vertical farming. Trees and flowers lined the pathways, and benches were scattered throughout the area, offering a peaceful retreat for the base's residents. At the center of the park stood a gazebo, where Amy and Helena were deep in conversation.

"Hi, girls," I called out with a smile as I approached. Without waiting for a reply, I flopped onto the outdoor bed nearby, stretching out and letting myself relax for the first time in hours.

Amy noticed me immediately and walked over, sitting beside me. "Aqua-chan, welcome back," she said warmly, gently rubbing my head. I couldn't help but yawn, her touch melting away my fatigue.

"Hey, not fair! I want to do that too!" Helena protested, rushing over to join us. She quickly found her place on the bed, her hands playfully vying for a spot to pat my head.

I stretched again, sinking deeper into the comfort of the bed. "This… is nice," I murmured, letting the moment of peace wash over me.

As I opened the designer app while feeling relax, pulling up a blank canvas for my next project: aircraft design. "How hard could it be?" I muttered, my voice carrying a mix of optimism and trepidation. "I've built a few planes in the game before… this can't be that different, right?"

Unlike shipbuilding, where I always started with the hull design, aircraft required a different approach. I knew I had to prioritize the critical components first—engines, wings, and control surfaces. My experience with nuclear missiles and programmable LUA blocks for evasive maneuvers wasn't exactly applicable here. Kamikaze planes with nuclear warhead were one thing, but fighters and CAS aircraft were entirely new territory.

"This is going to take a lot of trial and error," I admitted to myself. At least the designer app came with a realistic simulator, allowing me to test and refine my ideas without risking resources or lives.

For now, though, I let myself enjoy the comfort of the outdoor bed and the company of Amy and Helena.. I mean If I really stuck I gonna throw the problem at research box.. but doing that hurt my pride in designing so I gonna do that as last resort..