In fact, if you looked closely, Colonel Duda wasn't merely confident and sure of himself. He even had a hint of mockery in his expression, as if to say, "That's it?"
That was understandable.
By common sense, the Empire's veteran commanders didn't think this Leviathan would pose any threat to them. They assumed the Terrans had split their forces to attack, and were using the sections detached from the fortress as "cosmic rolling logs," all to prepare for this giant beast's arrival.
But so what?
...Well, the thing seemed to be made of energy. But the Empire's good lords had dealt with energy-based space creatures before. Ones made of thunderclouds, crystals, mist, and clumps of energy. So what if there was now an enormous, translucent, branch-shaped one?
Hundreds of the Imperial fleet's main lance batteries were standing by.
"In the three minutes it takes this unidentified Leviathan to reach us, the entire fleet can fire over a hundred volleys," the first mate said.
Besides, if the monster could come to them, couldn't they simply leave?
Duchess Gairebian's expression, however, was rather peculiar—almost strange.
Of course she knew that the first mate's report referred only to the physical distance in the real world. In another world, one that psychic powers could perceive and that was built from mysterious concepts, a terrifying vortex had blotted out the light and enveloped her soul. A beast that hungered to devour everything was salivating over her soul.
Duchess Gairebian hurriedly wrenched her consciousness back and couldn't help shouting, "Damn it!"
What a refined imperial noblewoman. Even now, she wouldn't swear. That could only mean the thought of cursing simply didn't exist in her mind.
But the Imperial soldiers around her had no time to ask what was wrong. They only saw the duchess touch the