Side: Yuki
Weapons are a collective term for tools and implements used in combat and hunting.
In a broader sense, people often metaphorically compare various abstract things to weapons, but let's set that aside for now.
The kind of weapon I am describing right now refers strictly to an instrument possessing offensive capabilities, originally designed for the explicit purpose of killing, injuring, capturing, destroying, or neutralizing a target.
With proper training, anyone can learn to wield these tools. Granted, individual talent certainly plays a role, but the vast majority of people can achieve proficiency with enough practice.
Furthermore, beyond their raw mechanical utility, weapons often carry a profound cultural significance, serving as symbols of an ethnic group's identity or a ruling power's authority. This symbolic weight undoubtedly applies to the weapons of Earth as well—even when discussing modern conventional weaponry.
In this world of Aroulit—wow, it feels like it's been an absolute eternity since I last uttered the actual name of this planet... Well, setting that aside, this world may be inferior, but Earth has its own characteristics when it comes to weapons.
Swords and bows are already ancient weapons on Earth. Modern weapons are far more complex and not easy to handle, but their destructive power is guaranteed. There is also a much wider variety compared to swords, bows, spears, axes, battering rams, etc. In a sense, swords and bows could be considered the prototypes.
Now, getting back on topic:
What special meaning do Earth's weapons and military hardware possess?
There are probably many answers to that question, but I'll push one particular idea for now.
—The Cutting Edge of Technology
Certainly, other fields also have technological innovations at the forefront, but no field produces results as clearly measurable as weapons. For weapons, being at the cutting edge means having killing power aligned with the intended purpose, effectiveness, and the ability to clearly destroy the target.
Yes, the cutting edge.
In other words, the crystallization of Earth's wisdom.
A long history accumulated, crossing countless battlefields, crossing seas of blood and death, overcoming them, and aiming for tomorrow — humanity's ironic crystallization of wisdom in the form of weapons.
Sometimes for peace, sometimes for invasion, sometimes for deterrence, sometimes for defense, sometimes for technological advancement — carrying contradictions while continuing to evolve to the present day: Earth's weapons—
"...Boss. That was a long speech and all, but what exactly are you trying to say?"
—My speech to the goblins was cut short like this by Britt.
"Listen up, Britt. This tank's performance is certified."
"I'm well aware, Boss."
"We've also done the skill acquisition and proficiency training to master it. Skills are convenient, aren't they? Just learn one and you instantly understand how to use the thing. Without that, it would've taken several times longer. Which means our squad is fully capable of utilizing these armored platforms to their maximum potential."
"Yeah, pretty much. So, what's the catch?"
Britt asked, squinting at me.
But after a brief silence, I answered.
"We can only use ten shells."
"...What?"
Britt couldn't react to that abrupt statement.
So I repeated it.
"We can only use ten shells."
"...What do you mean?"
"Listen, modern weapons are certainly excellent in performance. But they always have weaknesses."
"...Money?"
"Exactly. The tanks themselves cost a ridiculous amount of DP. We've stocked ammunition as well, but resupplying it isn't easy. Don't waste shots."
"Is this because of our live-fire practice drills?"
"Precisely. Getting behind the wheel of a main battle tank got everyone's adrenaline pumping, and rolling out in a six-vehicle formation to unleash continuous rapid fire was a massive financial blunder. That little joyride burned through an amount of DP equivalent to half the cost of a brand-new tank."
"Uwaa."
"More than 10 shells will be charged as personal expense. Of course, it can be paid in installments, but your salary will be low for a while."
"Couldn't you at least persuade your wives, Boss?"
"I did persuade them, and this is the result. Do you know how much family service I have to do?"
The troublesome thing about modern weapons is that they're money-eaters.
If you don't use them, they're just expensive junk. My wives said we could just use summonable monsters, and they weren't very supportive of this wasteful spending from the beginning.
However, after the chaotic Demon King incident and seeing the overwhelming power of the tank group at Roumel, they accepted my proposal. But since we still haven't used them in actual combat, voices are rising to stop using them.
That's why, in this fortress conquest operation, I have to prove their practicality.
The hell is this... why does my life currently feel like a desperate husband straining every nerve to convince his strict wife that his incredibly expensive hobby is a vital life necessity?
"Well, 10 rounds should be enough somehow."
"I hope so. And make sure your timing is synchronized."
"We know. Tank 1, Tank 2, you heard that, right? If you miss, dinner will taste bad for a while."
『『『Eeeehhh!?』』』
Complaints could be heard over the radio.
"If you don't miss, there won't be a problem. Princess-san, Olive, and Mist are already approaching the fortress to perform their little speech and act. The die has been cast."
"Wait, why are you saying this at the last minute?"
"Because if I said it earlier, you wouldn't have gotten in the tanks."
『『『Naturally.』』』
"Naturally, my ass!!"
Damn these unmotivated goblins.
"For now, we need to watch Princess-san and the others' movements to time the act."
"Right. Get ready."
『『『Roger~』』』
This should prevent wasteful shooting.
Their enthusiasm might have dropped, but their seriousness had definitely increased.
...Probably.
"So the plan is to issue a surrender ultimatum, and if it's rejected, make it look like the three Magic Sword wielders are about to unleash their power..."
"Then the tank cannons in the rear punch a straight line through the fortress gate. After that, mortars wipe out the enemy troops and siege equipment on the walls before the three lead the charge."
"And then Princess-san and the others rush in and finish things... Wow. This isn't a military operation, Boss. This is an absolute scam."
"If you've got a problem with it, why don't you go take the fortress yourself with a sword and shield, Britt? You could probably manage it."
"I'll pass. I hate getting tired."
『I've been listening to this ridiculous conversation for a while now. Princess-sama, Olive-sama, and Mist-sama are about to move. Please focus.』
"Got it, got it."
"Aye, aye~"
I'd assigned Jessica to relay the situation on the Princess's side, but she had absolutely no appreciation for jokes.
『Only your inner circle would take that as a joke. Well, it's about to start. Alright? It's when they raise their swords. I'll also give a signal, but you're confirming it from your side too, right?』
"Yeah. We're watching closely from here and from the tanks."
Then, the voices of the princess and the others came through Jessica's radio.
『Hear me, soldiers of Enneria stationed at Makiro Fortress! We are the Magic Sword wielders of the Jilva Empire!』
『Indeed! Surely you understand what it means for three Magic Sword wielders to stand together!』
『You have no chance of victory! Surrender now, and you shall receive treatment befitting your station! But if you choose to resist...』
They finished speaking and waited for a response.
Meanwhile, the three raised their swords, making it clear they could attack at any moment depending on the enemy's answer.
"Make sure you're also ready to attack immediately."
『『『Roger.』』』
At the same time I issue the order to be ready for immediate attack, someone climbs onto the fortress wall.
"A woman?"
"Looks like it. She seems to be saying something."
Through the binoculars, another beautiful woman came into view.
Silver full plate armor that suited her silver hair well.
And hanging at her waist was an extravagant sword.
That shape... That core... A Magic Sword?
"To the foolish Jilva Empire that dares invade our lands, hear me!"
Her clear voice echoed across the battlefield.
"All soldiers of Enneria shall never yield to you! We shall never surrender! So long as this Holy Sword remains in our hands, we cannot be defea—"
Eh? A Holy Sword!?
BOOOOOOOM!!
KABOOOOOOOOOOM!!
"Huh?"
『Eh? The enemy refused to surrender, so we fired?』
"Yeah... that's what happens when nobody tells the tank crews to hold fire. Hope the Holy Sword survived."
The gate was destroyed in one shot as planned by the high-performance modern weapon, and a hole was also blown into the central part of the fortress behind it.
"All troops, follow Marley-sama, Olive-sama, and Mist-sama!!"
Hivia sprinted past us with the reserve troops waiting in the rear.
Before Hivia and Princess-san's group could charge in, mortar shells rained down as planned, silencing the enemy soldiers positioned on the fortress walls.
"Yeah... in all seriousness, Boss, we should probably pray that the Holy Sword is somehow intact. A tank round hit the gate directly below, and a mortar round hit it too. I'd bet on it being blown to smithereens."
"Wha—!? Also, Britt, do you really think that beautiful woman from earlier is alive!?"
"Impossible. Unless the Holy Sword has super performance, or we hope the attack missed by chance?"
"If it's the former, that beautiful woman is definitely alive, but she's an enemy and seems troublesome, so no thanks. Let's hope for the latter."
"So you're not betting on being blown to smithereens?"
"No, I'll bet on being blown to smithereens."
Silence followed.
""...It's hopeless.""
The two of us simultaneously gave up on the beauty and the Holy Sword surviving.
"For now, I'll organize a search team to look for her."
"Please do."
...Yeah. With that high performance and skill level, it's pretty much hopeless.
