The Hungry Fortress Wants to Build a Battleship in Another World – World of Sandbox

Ringo deployed additional humanoid mechanical communicators to manage local governance.

A total of five units were added.
However, considering the increasing demand for these communicators in various situations, it was about time to consider additional production.
“Shouldn’t we start using the local population’s genes soon? If we keep increasing the number like this, it’ll get out of hand.”

With this single command from Commander Eve, Ringo reluctantly began the development of bio-androids based on the genetic material of the locals.
“Huh? Why are they based on fox-eared females? Wouldn’t male models be more practical?”
“I refuse.”

“What?”
“I refuse.”
“Why can’t we just modify the existing genetic map? We need to use resources efficiently.”

“No.”
“No? That’s not an answer.”
“No.”

“No? Stop just saying no!”
Thirteen rejections later—Commander Eve’s proposals were all shot down. Thirteen requests for reconsideration were likewise dismissed by Ringo’s unilateral decisions. This back-and-forth ended up taking the most time.
The genetic mapping was completed in mere seconds, thanks to Ringo’s pre-calculated simulation models. Similarly, the development simulator, already meticulously designed, encountered no issues, enabling the bio-android’s design to be finalized within a minute of approval.

“…Fine. Whatever.”
Sighing, Eve glanced at Ringo’s emotional response graph, which displayed satisfaction.
With a cheerful demeanor, Ringo immediately began production of the humanoid mechanical communicators.

For this batch, materials gathered around the second fortress were used.
These included rare metals, plant-based materials, and animal-derived compounds extracted from fish and insects. The significant point was that no resources were taken from The Tree’s stockpile.
Being able to manufacture them entirely from locally sourced materials was a huge step forward.
The manufacturing equipment itself was also installed in the second fortress.

Currently, the second fortress had completed its foundational construction and was building underground facilities. Auxiliary structures were also under construction, including the bio-android cultivation units.
Since these facilities housed highly classified information, they were scheduled to be relocated underground eventually. For now, the focus was on rapid deployment.
“By implementing accelerated cultivation features and assembling the framework and internal components on separate lines, the first batch can roll out in three days.”

“That’s quite fast.”
**“Yes, Commander Ma’am. Previously, existing facilities manufactured biological tissues and assembled skeletal frameworks gradually, followed by integration and calibration of the brain unit. That process required significant time.
This time, skeletal frameworks will be pre-assembled, and pre-calibrated biological tissues will be installed at optimal positions. The tissues will be rapidly grown, constructing the body’s cellular structure all at once.

The brain unit will also be pre-calibrated and merged immediately via deep-linking technology.”**
“So… you’re turning what was basically artisanal craftsmanship into mass production?”
“Yes, Commander Ma’am. With sufficient operational data, we can now adjust production at the cellular level. Even with added variance, we won’t compromise quality.”

Ringo explained casually, but it was an abnormal level of control by any measure. Eve understood this and could only stay silent.
They were talking about controlling biological cells—naturally chaotic and self-replicating—at a cellular level from an external source. This level of precision could theoretically allow perfect copies to be produced, though there was no practical reason to do so.
“Impressive…”

“I’m honored.”
After patting Ringo’s head, Eve stood up.
“Alright, it’s time. Let’s head to the cafeteria.”

“Yes, Commander Ma’am.”
The delegation departed from Fratara City without incident, heading toward East Gate City.
Along the route, several inns were rumored to exist, but they were likely abandoned villages by now.

The settlements, once reliant on foreign merchants and travelers, had reportedly all perished.
It was a harsh world.
“There shouldn’t be many around the city perimeter, but ahead, we’ll encounter rivers, grasslands, and forests. Monsters are likely to appear, so stay alert.”

“Understood.”
The escort consisted of two multi-legged tanks and a ground carrier. Given the rise in smaller monsters, two humanoid mechanical communicators were deployed aboard attack drones launched from the carrier for additional surveillance.
Although the drones could operate autonomously, the visible presence of pilots reassured the delegation and boosted morale—a deliberate gesture.

“…Still, the forces from Paraiso are impressive. Especially those golems that descended from the sky. Even knowing they were allies, I nearly had a heart attack.”
“I apologize for startling you.”
In the horse-drawn carriage, Agritend Levania, the delegation’s leader, conversed with Dreißig Ringo, Paraiso’s representative.

As the destination drew nearer, they discussed logistics and aligned expectations.
Though casual, their exchange was essential since they had no prior information and would need to improvise.
“Even so, it’s remarkable how things didn’t escalate further. Honestly, I thought total war was inevitable.”

Agritend asked nervously.
Indeed, had The Tree unleashed its full power, Fratara City could have been erased from existence.
And considering Lord Radaeri Fratara’s actions, he wouldn’t have been in a position to complain.

“There were various considerations. Simply demonstrating strength often creates more problems. This was also a test.”
“A… test?”
Agritend looked confused as Dreißig Ringo gazed back.

“Similar incidents are likely to occur in the future. This serves as a model case—”
“Wait, didn’t Ringo just get annoyed and shoot him?”
“Commander Ma’am, that’s unfair.”

Eve tilted her head in feigned innocence, but Ringo inwardly broke into a cold sweat.
Technically, it wasn’t Ringo who gave the command to shoot Lord Radaeri—it was an autonomous humanoid mechanical communicator.
Still, it wasn’t easy to explain the nuance.

However, since the humanoid mechanical communicators on the front lines are often directly connected to Ringo, their tendencies and preferences tend to align with hers.
In that sense, Eve had to admit that Ringo’s assessment might not be entirely wrong.
Currently, the delegation’s progress was being monitored via live footage. Commander Eve, Ringo, and the others—Akane, Ichigo, Utsugi, Erika, and Olive—were all gathered to observe.

The purpose of this session was to brainstorm ideas for managing the occupied territories.
“Well, what’s done is done. We’ll need to think about how to handle similar situations in the future, but for now, let’s focus on Fratara City.”
“Yes, Commander Ma’am. The main options are to fully occupy it, leave it some autonomy, or wipe it off the map entirely.”

“Wipe it out? I mean… fine, but what are the pros and cons?”
“Placing it fully under our control would let us do whatever we want with it. We could even turn it into a fortress. The downside is that it would likely lead to full-scale war with the Afflasia United Kingdom.”
“That sounds like the worst-case scenario.”

“Granting it autonomy would make it similar to Telek Port City. We could push troublesome decisions onto a local leader. The downside is that any construction of defenses or facilities would require negotiations, which would slow things down.”
Telek Port City primarily received material support through trade agreements rather than outright occupation.
While defensive facilities were being constructed, they had been negotiated and the land purchased at fair prices.

It was a slow and painstaking process, but it minimized resentment and future hostilities.
“If we turn it into a wasteland, there’s nothing to worry about. Everything will be wiped out, and any traces of our involvement will be erased. The downside? We gain nothing.”
“That’s pretty extreme… but I guess it might be the cleanest option if we’re cutting our losses.”

Fratara City had almost no industrial infrastructure, and there were no resource benefits to maintaining it as a trade partner.
Commander Eve sighed as she considered their next move.