──────────────
[NOA-31 Anti-Behemoth Gatling Gun MK.II [★★★★★★★(+★)(8-Star)]]
— A pinnacle of Ark's engineering, the Anti-Behemoth Gatling Gun.
— Boasting firepower as overwhelming as its enormous size.
— Refined by the hands of renowned weapons engineering expert, Maybelle Pilgrim. Its base performance and rate of fire have been significantly enhanced.
"View Details"
──────────────
'As expected…'
The NOA-31 Anti-Behemoth Gatling Gun is a high-grade weapon with a base rating of 7 stars.
Moreover, after undergoing an upgrade by Maybell Pilgrim's expert hands, it has been transformed into an 8-star weapon.
In terms of ranking alone, it even surpasses my current highest-firepower weapon, the BLT-47 Plasma Launcher, by one whole tier.
'It's not just about the rating.'
Of course, in terms of instantaneous firepower, the 7-star BLT-47 Plasma Launcher might still have the upper hand. However, the BLT-47 has a fatal flaw—its poor combat endurance.
But the NOA-31 Anti-Behemoth Gatling Gun is different.
As its menacing name suggests, it was specifically designed from the start with large and massive-class Anti-Behemoths in mind. In terms of sustained firepower and battle endurance, it is nothing short of overwhelming.
"How is it?"
Maybell Pilgrim looked at me, trying hard to suppress a proud smirk.
Anyone could see she was waiting for praise.
"It's impressive. Good work."
"Hm, h-hmph… No big deal. It was nothing. Ah, do you see over there? That's the part I meticulously redesigned—this modification greatly improves grip stability. And also…"
Like a fish in water, Maybell Pilgrim enthusiastically continued explaining every part she had upgraded.
"This shape, these curves… aren't they simply beautiful? To achieve this form, I had to…"
"The original NOA-31 Anti-Behemoth Gatling Gun had certain limitations in its firing rate due to its sheer power. But I've completely overhauled and corrected these issues, allowing me to overcome one of its biggest flaws."
"Of course, increasing the firing rate does make heat management more difficult. So, I replaced the barrel's material to counteract that problem. It did increase the cost, but that was already accounted for."
I humored her explanations with nods and occasional responses, and only after her long monologue ended did I finally speak.
"Oh, and I have another item I'd like to request. Would that be alright?"
"Of course!"
Listening to Maybell Pilgrim's not-so-subtle bragging had paid off.
"Let's start with this."
I handed her the BLT-47 Plasma Launcher that I had been carrying.
Maybell Pilgrim naturally took hold of it, examined it briefly, and then asked,
"You're not coming with me?"
"I need to pick up something else. I'd like you to upgrade that too. It's not Ark-made, though. Think you can handle it?"
I was referring to the CRN-842 Hemp Rocket Launcher that I had recently obtained from Lania.
Currently, the CRN-842 Hemp Rocket Launcher was resting atop Horus. To retrieve it, I'd need to step outside the Ark and summon Horus separately.
"It's not Ark-made… Now you've got my interest. Alright, I'll wait for you at my lab."
"Great, I'll leave it to you."
With that, Maybell Pilgrim turned on her heels and headed straight for her lab.
After watching her leave, I turned to Quartermaster Gedwin.
"Could you give me a lift just outside the Ark? There's no way I can carry that thing on my own."
"Ah, of course."
I could do it myself if I really tried, but unfolding a rift space within the Ark would attract far too many prying eyes.
'Not that I could summon Horus here anyway.'
For now, I had no choice but to get some help until I reached the Ark's exterior.
"Are you heading out immediately?"
"Yes."
I boarded the same vehicle that had transported the NOA-31 Anti-Behemoth Gatling Gun, with Quartermaster Gedwin at the wheel.
"We're moving out."
Gedwin's tone resembled that of a rookie driver on his first mission as he drove us through the Red-17 Gate.
"This vehicle won't be able to climb up Noah. Are you sure this is alright?"
"Yes. Just drop me off at the perimeter. I'll take care of the rest."
"Hmm… Understood."
Though curiosity flickered across his face—probably wondering just how I intended to transport the weapon—Gedwin refrained from asking.
It was his way of being considerate.
"We've arrived."
Thanks to the vehicle, reaching Noah's perimeter didn't take long.
Given that we had started from the Red Line adjacent to Noah, it made sense.
"Is this spot good enough?"
"Yes, this is fine."
Gedwin nodded and activated a switch inside the vehicle.
Ziiing…
With a mechanical hum, the NOA-31 Anti-Behemoth Gatling Gun was fully unloaded.
"You'll be returning to the Ark, correct? Do you need me to wait here?"
"No. I'll join up later—I have something to take care of first."
"Understood. I'll head back then."
Gedwin, rather than offering unnecessary courtesy, simply left.
This suited me just fine.
'Now then…'
Only after Gedwin's vehicle had disappeared into the distance did I open a rift space.
[Rift Space has been activated.]
A shimmering, distorted void unfolded before me.
I wasn't sure exactly how large the rift space was, but I began pushing the NOA-31 Anti-Behemoth Gatling Gun into it.
Crk… Creak…
Veins bulged along my arms and legs.
Even with all the enhancement serums, strength augmentation, and Janus's physical assist modules, the NOA-31 Anti-Behemoth Gatling Gun's weight was no joke.
"Hey, give me a hand."
["You only call me when you need me."]
"Would you rather I call you when I don't need you?"
["Sigh…"]
Despite clicking her tongue in mock annoyance, Esther helped push the NOA-31 Anti-Behemoth Gatling Gun with all her might.
Even Janus joined in, extending bony tendrils to assist.
[Kriik!]
Slowly but surely, the NOA-31 Anti-Behemoth Gatling Gun's massive barrel was drawn into the rift space.
To an outside observer, it would probably look like the gun was vanishing into thin air—an eerie sight.
["By the way… how exactly do you plan on using something this heavy? Even retrieving it seems like a pain."]
"Oh, don't worry about that."
With that, I closed the rift space.
Then, I reopened it—directly above my head.
At that moment—
Clatter—!
From the rift space above, the NOA-31 Anti-Behemoth Gatling Gun began plummeting down.
Thud!
I barely stepped aside in time as the weapon crashed into the spot where I had been standing.
Just as expected, positioning the rift space overhead allowed for this kind of maneuverability.
["…Do you realize you would've been crushed to death if you hadn't moved?"]
"Well, that's why I moved."
["No… If you die, Master, I die too! Take better care of your health!"]
"I have no intention of dying."
Esther made a face that screamed exasperation.
Not that I particularly cared.
"Anyway, let's put it back in."
["Sigh…"]
After repeating the process once more, a visibly exhausted Esther grumbled.
["But if you can pull it out like that, couldn't you just create that weird thing on the ground when putting it in? That way, it would just go in on its own, right? "]
…Huh?
["Wait, what's that expression? Don't tell me… You didn't think of that?"]
"…Of course I did."
["Liar. You totally didn't."]
"It's just your imagination."
Esther narrowed her eyes.
They had the sharpness of a persistent hunter.
["Why are you looking away? I'm right here."]
"For some reason, you're really annoying today."
["That actually hurts, you know."]
"…Sorry."
*
Back at Ark, I had Maybell Pilgrim upgrade the BLT-47 Plasma Launcher and the CRN-842 Hemp Rocket Launcher.
I had been slightly worried about the BLT-47 Plasma Launcher failing, but fortunately, my concerns were unfounded.
In short, the upgrades were a success.
'Though I ended up spending nearly all the credits I had earned… Well, I can always make more later.'
I meticulously inspected the newly enhanced equipment.
──────────────
[BLT-47 Plasma Launcher MK.III] [★★★★★★(+★★)(8-star)]
— A plasma launcher infused with Ark's cutting-edge technology.
— Upgraded by the weapon engineering authority, Maybell Pilgrim. Its overall performance and durability have been significantly enhanced.
— Particular attention was given to durability. Durability has increased by another level.
"View Details"
──────────────
──────────────
[CRN-842 Hemp Rocket Launcher MK.II] [★★★★★★★(+★)(8-star)]
— A Hemp Rocket Launcher imbued with Kronos' advanced technology.
— A rare weapon produced in extremely limited quantities, rivaling Ark's finest.
— Upgraded by the weapon engineering authority, Maybell Pilgrim.
— Technological improvements have been made, significantly enhancing projectile speed and destructive power.
— Extremely powerful.
"View Details"
──────────────
Maybell Pilgrim spoke up.
"First, with the BLT-47 Plasma Launcher, I had already reinforced the durability during a previous upgrade, so this time wasn't too difficult. The thing is, the original BLT-47 Plasma Launcher is notorious for breaking down."
"As for the CRN-842 Hemp Rocket Launcher, I had worked with it a few times before, but the design philosophy is actually closer to Ark's technology than traditional Kronos weapons. So, it wasn't too challenging."
"And that's all. Any questions?"
Maybell Pilgrim finished her explanation with a bright smile.
"…No, I think that covers it."
If I had said yes, she probably would have gone on another long-winded explanation.
"Good, that's a relief."
Maybell Pilgrim met my gaze.
"By the way… I'd love to hear your thoughts on using the Z-74 Jetpack."
"It was quite excellent."
"…That's all?"
"Yes."
Maybell Pilgrim blinked in momentary disbelief before quickly regaining her composure.
"Any particular areas for improvement?"
"The energy efficiency is fine, but the total capacity and recharge time could use some improvements."
"Got it. That was exactly what I was worried about."
She nodded, satisfied with my response. Then she pointed at the Z-74 Jetpack strapped to my back.
"If you don't mind, could you leave the Z-74 Jetpack with me for a bit? I'd like to make those adjustments."
"That would be great for me."
An unexpected benefit.
"Alright, hand it over then."
"Sure."
Just as I handed the Z-74 Jetpack over—
"…Huh?"
Red warning lights flared across the area.
Being Ark, there were no blaring sirens, as the facility prioritized silence.
But the sheer stillness of the moment only amplified the gravity of the situation.
"This is…"
"Looks like I'll have to hand over the Z-74 Jetpack another time."
"Ah… Right!"
Hurriedly, Maybell Pilgrim returned the jetpack to me.
I turned toward the flashing emergency lights and began moving.
I already knew exactly what they meant.
'So… they've arrived.'
The eighth wave had begun.