The enemy was just one —the Great Beast.
But even that one was overwhelmingly difficult to handle.
This creature had caused a nuclear war on the other side of the planet using hypnotic waves, disrupting humanity's ability to unite its strength.
For that reason, Stellaria might be the only organization capable of standing against the Great Beast.
The fate of the world rested in their hands.
They had to use every available resource to bring down that gigantic, terrifying monster. But resources were limited, so every decision had to be made with caution.
On this point, both the scientist and the mage agreed.
"We need to deliver a counterpunch to the Great Beast’s abilities."
"The robot needs to be developed specifically to counteract the Great Beast’s powers."
"...Gol, stop mimicking me."
"Where is the concept of mimicking in stating the obvious? If you want to claim that, you might as well patent your expressions—"
After their childish argument, the plan was outlined as follows:
1. The patterns on the Great Beast’s skin distort all targeting mechanisms, even radar detection.
Research showed that the misdirection effect disappeared within 50 meters of the Great Beast.
Considering that the beast stood 100 meters tall, this meant firing at point-blank range. And since the creature’s physical power could destroy buildings just by moving its limbs or swinging its tail, that range was perilous.
Hence, the need for a giant robot.
"It needs to withstand the Great Beast’s physical attacks while delivering effective strikes. I believe size and weight are key. To go head-to-head, the robot must match the creature’s scale."
"And if we’re going big and heavy, there’s no need for extra firearms. A heavy punch alone should deal enough damage."
Thus, the design became a giant melee robot.
"...Don’t look at my robot like that, Gol."
"It’s our robot now."
2. The Great Beast has a magic barrier that reduces the impact of physical attacks.
"We estimate about a 40% reduction."
"This is why we must finish the mana engine, Dr. Woo. Infusing mana into our strikes should reduce the barrier's effect to around 30%."
"That 30% penetration is an irresistible feature... I’ve stayed up all night just to get such features in games before. But the way you're dragging out research makes it feel like this is moving slower than a slug. Can’t you just compromise with reality a bit?"
"If you don't listen carefully to an expert, you’re bound for failure. You seem to trivialize magic because of your fondness for games, but real magic doesn’t work with a simple 'click.'"
"Are you seriously suggesting we throw away everything we’ve built so far and start over with a new robot—?!"
It made sense.
Since magic in Gordius’s world was based on the human body, efficiency required that the robot be humanoid. Gordius argued that to maximize the mana engine’s performance, the robot should have a human-like form. The current prototype, which resembled heavy machinery, would not be as efficient.
He also criticized the choice of tank treads instead of legs as a terrible decision.
After 13 rounds of arguments with Woo Chaerin, they finally agreed to build a new model.
The difference in performance was undeniable.
Woo Chaerin was shocked when she reviewed the 32nd experimental report.
"...Why is the efficiency so much better?"
"Nothing is as harmonious as the human form. Dr. Woo, since I won the bet, the robot’s head should be painted red. No take-backs."
"But seriously, this mysterious, intangible force—how can efficiency fluctuate so wildly based on the form? I don’t understand... Why?"
Though Woo Chaerin was momentarily baffled by the peculiar logic of magic, the numbers were too convincing. Starting over was the only reasonable choice.
"Don’t be too disheartened, Dr. Woo. You never know when the prototype might come in handy. Plus, building the first official unit will be much easier. I’ll show you what a mage from the Golden Tower can really do."
"Get your hand off my shoulder."
Stellaria abandoned the original prototype and began developing a humanoid first unit. At the same time, the mana engine’s completion progressed steadily.
Gordius’s earth magic proved invaluable. Even without a large crane, he could move and assemble parts with just a gesture.
"Gol, shrink that size down before I say something I regret."
"It’s fine. The arms can stay this large—uh, oops."
"I told you to shrink them!"
Of course, sometimes he got carried away and dropped things.
Sometimes Gordius was wrong, and sometimes Woo Chaerin was wrong. But whenever one was wrong, the other was right. The scientist and the mage moved forward by correcting each other.
At first, they thought they couldn’t work together at all...
"That last idea of yours was pretty good. I didn’t expect you to handle the joints like that."
"I still have much to learn about science. By the way, I have one more chocolate bar. Dr. Woo, could I trade it for another lesson?"
"You really think one chocolate bar is enough for tutoring from a Ph.D.? Come on, Gol, make me a better offer."
"...Two bars?"
Now, their thinking had changed. They were a good team.
Gordius pursued grand dreams but had a cold, pragmatic side. Woo Chaerin was grounded in reality but had a surprisingly emotional, fiery temper. They complemented each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Even when their arguments escalated, the data eventually showed them the right path.
They believed that, despite their constant bickering, they would continue to find common ground and work harmoniously together. But—
There was a major point of friction.
"We need to make it unmanned. No matter how many safety features we add, a robot battling a 100-meter monster is too dangerous for any pilot!"
"We need a pilot. Having a pilot on-site will increase the chances of success. Just one person inside could make a significant difference in the outcome!"
The debate was over whether the giant robot should be piloted or not.
A pilot—the necessity of having one stemmed from the unique nature of the mana engine.
The engine operated using two distinct processes: converting ambient mana into electricity, and converting internal electricity back into mana. The nearly completed mana engine was designed to allow energy to flow in either direction.
This was a monumental achievement.
Even without a giant robot, the mana engine could absorb the aftereffects of spells and recycle that energy, allowing it to be reused. During development, the efficiency had already reached an impressive 15%.
For most mages, who weren’t powerful enough to endlessly cast spells without exhausting their mana or weren’t genius prodigies able to cast hundreds of spells with minimal mana, this efficiency was a coveted improvement.
The only downside was that it was, well... quite large. But given that it would be mounted on a giant robot, this was a minor issue.
When operating the giant robot with the mana engine, the ideal energy mix for maximum efficiency was a 40% electricity and 60% mana ratio.
And this was where the problem arose.
Mana—at least for now—couldn’t be precisely controlled by machines or computers. Without the clear intention of a skilled mage, the delicate balance of 40:60 was nearly impossible to achieve.
That was why they needed a pilot with mana aptitude to be inside the giant robot.
"The data proves it. We need a pilot. Dr. Woo, you’ve always trusted the data before—why are you being so stubborn now?"
"...There must be another way."
"There might be. But that solution is far in the future. We've... already created something miraculous here. You even said it yourself—it feels like a divine force is helping us. You don't know if you'll ever create something this magnificent again in your lifetime!"
"That’s exactly why I’m saying we need more time to research! We need to find a way to control the mana engine remotely!"
It was an idealistic argument.
Gordius shook his head. Woo Chaerin placed too high a value on human life. The world was in a state of emergency, with nations collapsing. In times like these, could they really afford to worry about a few lives?
It wasn’t that Gordius didn’t want to save people. When the Great Beast first appeared, he had used his magic to help evacuate civilians.
But the moment he realized the beast had the power to manipulate minds, he had given up on further rescues. At that point, continuing to save lives would have cost too much.
The same held true now. Too much was at stake to worry about one pilot.
"There is no path forward where no one is sacrificed. Every choice has gains and losses, and going with an unmanned system is a losing strategy, Doctor."
At Gordius's sharp words, Woo Chaerin drew a shaky breath, as if his logic had pierced her deeply.
She was an exceptional leader, but also fragile. Gordius had often seen her lose sleep whenever Stellaria's search teams ventured outside, fearing for their safety.
That was why he believed he had to remain cold and rational. He had to make the hard choices.
After a long silence, Woo Chaerin finally spoke.
"...Then I’ll pilot it myself."
"That’s also a loss. You’re the leader of Stellaria, its core, and its top scientist. Your place is not inside a robot, fighting. Have you not considered the possibility of failure?"
"Then who will pilot it, Gordius?!"
Without hesitation, Gordius pointed to himself. Woo Chaerin shook her head firmly.
"No."
"All you do is reject my suggestions."
"No. Even if we choose a pilot, it cannot be you. The same logic you just used applies here. You’re irreplaceable. If something goes wrong... you can’t be the one in that cockpit."
Because you’re the only mage we have.
"..."
They were at an impasse. Logically, neither of them could become the pilot.
Someone else had to take on the dangerous and vital task of piloting the robot into direct combat with the Great Beast. It was the only rational solution.
"..."
"..."
Cold silence filled the space between them. Despite their hesitation, they knew what had to be done.
In the end, they conducted mana aptitude tests across the entire Stellaria organization. Rather than focusing on the ability to release mana, they prioritized those who could regulate it internally.
Five pilot candidates were selected.
Woo Chaerin explained the role of the pilot and the risks involved. The candidates exchanged uneasy glances. It was a mission that could cost them their lives, and they hesitated. No one spoke at first.
But then, in the midst of the tense silence, a middle-aged man stepped forward.
"I’ll be the pilot."
"...You."
Gordius recognized the man. It was the truck driver who had been transporting materials for the robot.
He was the same man who had stood before the raiders and pleaded to be enslaved if necessary, as long as the materials for humanity's survival were spared. Gordius approached him and asked,
"Do you have a reason for volunteering? This is a dangerous task, and as I said before, you could die."
"Yes, I know."
The truck driver pushed up his horn-rimmed glasses and smiled warmly.
"...My daughter just turned six this year. She’ll be starting elementary school soon, and memories from a young age are so important, you know? People live based on what they remember from childhood."
"..."
"So... I want to show her that the world wasn’t always like this. If we defeat the Great Beast, Korea will go back to the peaceful times it once knew. My daughter will be able to attend school safely. So—"
I want to give her a peaceful future.
Isn’t that worth risking my life for?
"...I see."
Gordius nodded gravely.
And so, truck driver Kim became the pilot.
The giant robot steadily neared completion, and Kim, the pilot, began his training on both the robot's controls and the mana engine's operation.
The first unit stood at a towering 80 meters tall, 30 meters taller than the prototype. Its skeletal frame had been filled out, making the previous robot look insignificant in comparison.
Between Gordius and Woo Chaerin, conversations had become sparse. Their discussions were more business-like, with decisions reached faster, but there was an undeniable sense of emptiness—a lingering feeling that something was missing.
Then, one night, as Gordius was engrossed in studying through a thick stack of manuals and documents, Woo Chaerin came to see him.
"...Gol, do you have a moment?"
"My time’s a bit pricey—wait, are those bottles of soju?"
She was holding three bottles of soju.