Side: John
Geez—they gave me a ridiculous call sign.
No, I don't mean there's anything wrong with Omega-san himself. It's just... well, using that name when we're heading into battle feels kind of ominous.
This was definitely Yuki-danna's doing.
He made me the punchline at the very end.
I'll complain to him later.
『From Communications Command to all units: Maintain an altitude of at least 10,000 feet. Use the clouds as cover while advancing.』 (Milly)
Milly-aneesan's voice came over the radio.
『Mobius here. To all units: You heard her. Maintain an altitude of 10,000 feet or higher. Luckily, there are low clouds today. We'll match our altitude to them.』 (Steve)
『『『Roger.』』』
Well, I could complain later.
We were already airborne and rapidly climbing to our cruising altitude. Almost vertically ascending into the sky. It's a way of gaining altitude that would be impossible for something like a fighter jet.
Still, 10,000 feet. That's about 3,000 meters. In Japan, the only mountain we'd have to worry about hitting at that altitude would be Mount Fuji. If I remember correctly, most of the nearby mountains around here are 2,000-meter class at most.
Well, it's practically all grassland around here anyway. The only 5,000-meter class mountains are in the range near the Academy, and the Academy itself sits in a basin surrounded by those high peaks.
Because it's encircled by mountains, the invasion routes are limited, making an assault on the Academy completely unviable—which is one of the reasons the Academy exists as an independent entity.
The reverse is also true; getting out of that mountain range is quite a chore, so another factor is that people don't really worry about the Academy invading other countries.
On top of that, it's a habitat for powerful monsters, making it literally a natural fortress.
『All units confirmed at 10,000 feet. Form up into formations.』
『『『Roger.』』』
While I'm thinking about all that, the units form up squadron by squadron, with Steve and me... Mobius and Omega taking the lead position.
We've practiced this to death, so there's no issue here. And from the look of it, their earlier motivation hasn't dampened one bit. Morale doesn't seem to be a problem.
『From Communications Command to all units: Maintain speed at 350 km/h, heading 280. Approximately two hours to target area.』 (Milly)
『Mobius here, roger-ssu. All units: maintain speed at 350 km/h, heading 280. Don't go all-out and run out of breath. Use your auxiliary boosters to conserve physical energy.』
『『『Roger.』』』
The auxiliary boosters were equipment based on enchantment technology that had functions for storing magical power and maintaining flight.
They allowed us to reduce the amount of energy and magical power consumed by flapping our wings and by the Wyverns themselves, thereby extending their range.
The auxiliary boosters could be switched on and off at will.
They could store magical power while turned on, then be switched off during combat. When we needed to leave the combat zone, we could unleash the stored magical power all at once and use the flight-assistance function at full power to make a high-speed escape.
After repeated experiments with Wyverns, we'd recently begun testing vertical takeoffs and airborne launches with Zero fighters.
Yuki-danna was delighted by the possibility that we might eventually have a fleet of jet fighters that didn't require runways.
Well, I doubt we'd ever get the budget for that... The aircraft alone cost more than ten times as much as an M1 tank, after all...
『Communications Command to Mobius and Omega. Can you hear me?』
Huh?
A private transmission?
So they had something to tell us specifically?
『Mobius here. Hearing you loud and clear.』
"Omega here. Communications are good."
『Glad to hear it. Communications seem fine for now.』 (Milly)
『What's that supposed to mean-ssu?』
Just as Steve points out, that's a strange way to put it.
It sounds as though there's an issue with the communications.
『The cause is unknown, but we're experiencing some static noise on our end. Yuki-san, Narlgia-san, and Zargas judge that it's likely due to magnetism or the clouds. Please operate under the assumption that radio communications might become unusable in a worst-case scenario. Yuki-san instructed that the decision on how to notify your units is left up to you.』 (Milly)
Ah.
So this was about determining how well we could respond to an unforeseen situation.
"What do you want to do?"
『I'll inform them-ssu. If we consider the worst-case scenario, we could get hit while confused by comms failure and end up failing the mission. We have to avoid that.』
『Understood. I will pass that along to Yuki-san. Also, as planned, they would like one or two squadrons at ultra-low altitude to conduct visual scouting and gather intelligence on the enemy.』 (Milly)
『Roger-su. We'll split off 15 minutes before the target area, as scheduled.』
Well, I agree with Steve's judgment. There's no need to intentionally set ourselves up for confusion.
Should I tell them to rely primarily on magic communications, assuming radio interference will occur?
...Well, that's Steve's decision to make, not mine. What I need to focus on is the low-altitude enemy reconnaissance operation. After all, I'm the one leading that force.
Steve, leading the four squadrons as Mobius, will handle things from high altitude, while I, leading two squadrons as Omega, will operate from low altitude. One group will act as a decoy to draw the enemy's attention, while the other calmly observes and gathers intelligence.
And since we, taking the ultra-low altitude route, are more likely to catch the enemy's eye, there's a higher chance we'll face attacks using guns. That's why the units following me are the highly mobile ones—Garuda and Gryphus.
Steve's side has the well-rounded units: Yellow, Garm, Wardog, and Scarface.
Well, let's see which one of us draws the short straw.
『Mobius here. To all units: Communications Command reports potential interference with radio comms. Keep in mind that radio comms may become unusable in a worst-case scenario. Treat magic comms as your primary method, and in case of total comms failure, we will send light signals using Morse code. Pay close attention to your radios and updates from each unit's comms rider.』
『『『Roger.』』』
The possibility of losing communications was conveyed to all units.
No one seems particularly panicked.
Well, we've thoroughly drilled for total communications loss during training anyway, so it shouldn't be an issue.
『Considering the possibility of radio interception, switch to channel 10. Comms riders of each unit: report immediately if you notice anything unusual.』
『『『Roger.』』』
Radio interception, huh...
I don't think the enemy is capable of going that far, but it'd be bad news if they actually were.
For now, it's just smooth sailing.
"Omega here. To Communications Command: How are the General and the others on Sky Eye doing?"
『Yuki-san and the Sky Eye team have already taken off from the barracks with Vixen-san and two subordinates on board. Cruising speed is 200 km/h. Maintaining an altitude of 600 feet.』 (Milly)
"That's awfully slow and low. Wasn't the original plan 300 km/h at 1,000 feet?"
『It's because they're flying with a large August military flag to publicize the Dragon Knight presence to the August forces.』
"Oh..."
I suppose that would make it much less likely for them to be attacked by mistake.
Seeing a dragon suddenly dive toward you from the sky would be much more alarming.
But in exchange...
『It also increases the possibility that Sky Eye will become the focus of enemy attacks. Please conduct thorough searches and reconnaissance.』 (Milly)
"Omega to all units. You heard that. Don't let anything frightening happen to the Princess."
『『『ROGER!』』』
That's some serious enthusiasm.
Fortunately, the area was mostly grassland.
A forest would have been troublesome.
『Approaching the first target point shortly. Prepare for operational maneuvers.』
『All units, commence operation as scheduled.』
『『『Roger.』』』
All right.
Time for us to head toward the ground…
『Omega, see you later.』
"Yeah. Understood, Mobius. We're beginning our descent to low altitude. All units, follow me."
Replying to Steve, I lead two squadrons and begin our descent.
"All units, stay on high alert. We could come under attack at any moment. Communications units, don't neglect monitoring the communication status. The surrounding units will protect the two reconnaissance Wyverns. Take your time and search carefully. If you rush and miss something, it could put the Princess in danger. Understood?"
『『『Roger.』』』
We break through the clouds and dive straight down to just above ground level.
"All units, maintain your current altitude. Reduce speed to 100. Reconnaissance and search status?"
『No enemy presence confirmed at the target point.』
『No presence confirmed on this end either.』
"Communications unit, any information from Mobius? Are communications still working?"
『...Communications are fine. According to information from Mobius, neither friendly nor enemy forces have been detected at the target area. Communications are fine. According to information from Mobius, neither friendly nor enemy forces have been detected at the target area.』
So the enemy hadn't reached this area yet.
And if there weren't any friendly forces either, they hadn't begun retreating yet.
At least they weren't advancing at the worst possible speed.
『Transmission from Mobius. Low-altitude recon team is to maintain altitude, increase speed to 300, and proceed directly to the next target point.』
"Understood. All units, maintain current altitude. Speed to 300, heading toward the second target point. Not just recon and comms, but all other riders keep your eyes open. An attack could happen anytime."
Remaining vigilant, we advance at low altitude toward the second target point.
However, even upon reaching the second target, there's no sign of enemy forces, nor any retreating August troops being sent to the rear.
"What's the meaning of this?"
『Well, it's certainly strange that there aren't even wounded soldiers being evacuated... As for possibilities, maybe the enemy isn't that strong and the defense is succeeding. So any evacuation is being handled inside the castle walls, or something along those lines.』
"Yeah, that would make sense. If so, that means the enemy is having trouble taking the fortress."
『Looks like it. For now, I'll report this to Milly-neesan.』
"Yeah, leave it to you."
Is Yuki-danna overthinking it this time?
That's unexpected in a whole different way.
『Alright, report finished. Maintain current status and head for the final target point. There's no doubt we'll run into the enemy there. All units, go to full battle readiness. Under no circumstances are you to engage August forces. Make sure everything can be pushed onto Amanda-san when she arrives later.』
『『『Roger.』』』
Ah, poor thing.
I wonder what kind of explanation they're going to give her.
And so, continuing our search and reconnaissance, we approach the final target point, and a castle—or rather, a fortress—comes into view...
Rat-a-tat-tat...
I hear gunfire.
That's unmistakably gunfire.
"Omega here. I heard gunfire."
『Mobius here. We heard it too. They really do have guns deployed—』
BOOOOOOM!!
Steve's transmission is cut off by the sound of an explosion.
Smoke is rising from the castle.
Something must have happened.
"Omega here. I can't confirm from here because the fortress is in the way. Mobius, what do you see?"
『...Mobius here. It looks like some kind of artillery-ssu.』
"Artillery!?"
『Yeah. The enemy's equipment is better than expected. The guns don't look like matchlocks either; they look like proper cartridge-firing firearms.』
"Seriously...?"
They had developed firearms that far?
No.
Regardless, we needed to gather detailed information and decide whether to engage.
"So what do we do? Make one attack run, or wipe them out?"
『...That's the weird part. The moment the enemy spotted us—meaning the Flying Dragon Squad—it looks like they started preparing to retreat.』
"Huh?"
Come to think of it, the gunfire has stopped.
Why all of a sudden...?
『Several individuals from the enemy formation have taken to the air!! Heading straight for Mobius's formation!!』
『All units, prepare to intercept!! Leave the ground recon to Omega's group!!』
We could also see what appeared to be several people taking flight.
They were flying straight toward them.
If I wasn't mistaken, one of them was a woman.
Well, Steve and the others would investigate the details.
We had the enemies on the ground to deal with.
『Omega to all units. There might still be airborne enemies down here. The ones that headed for Mobius might loop back. Exercise extreme caution, gather information, and if possible, eliminate the enemy.』
『『『Roger.』』』
We pass over the fortress.
The soldiers inside the fortress are merely staring up at us in utter dumbfoundedness; none of them shoot at us with bows or anything.
Unfortunately, I can't spot anyone who looks like the king at a quick glance.
Well, we can take our time searching for him later.
Ta-ta-ta-ta...!
『Enemy opening fire on us!!』
First, we need to deal with the enemies in front of us.
Realizing they're in trouble, they attempt to retreat while firing at us, but...
Tch-ink!!
It bounces off with that light metallic sound.
...Phew. Looks like the enemy infantry's bullets can't breach our magic barriers and the Flying Dragons' armor.
"All units, damage report!!"
『Garuda here. No hits, no problems!!』
『Gryphus 3 here. Was hit, but no damage. No impact on mission execution!!』
"Alright, all units. Priority target: artillery. Secondary target: enemy infantry with firearms. Move in!!"
『『『ROGER!!』』』
However, as soon as we launch our assault, various spells come flying from the infantry. But since they aren't as fast as bullets, we dodge them leisurely.
So these are magic swords....
I completely forgot because of the guns, but the variety is pretty wild.
From fire to water, and even ice.
Well, magic of that degree can't stop Flying Dragons, so a few dragons dive straight into the middle of their retreating ranks as a distraction, while others destroy the artillery to render it unusable and wipe out surrounding enemies.
Of course, not every dragon plunges into the enemy formation.
Me, the recon, comms, resupply, and two air-defense lookout dragons stay above.
We keep a strict watch on the enemy from the sky.
By now, the enemy is in full panic, scattering and fleeing in all directions.
Looks like the ground situation is under control for now...
『Enemy flight detected!!』
"Confirmed on my end too. So there were some left behind after all."
Flying toward us is a blonde woman.
She's probably a beauty, but since we're enemies, I don't feel any soft spot for her.
She was carrying a staff... Not a gun, nor a magic sword—an actual staff. Moreover, It's extravagantly decorated.
『What are your orders?』
"Capture her. She's obviously a commander-class enemy. We'll take her down with minimal harm if possible."
『『Roger.』』
We need as much information as we can get.
The fact that Steve and his team are still engaged in aerial combat means they're gathering intel too.
No shoot-down reports have come in, so they probably want to capture their target alive with minimal injuries as well.
However, the blonde woman flying right in front of us merely stares at us without casting any spells.
"...I have never seen an Orc commanding Flying Dragons."
She muttered.
Well yeah, I bet you haven't.
In the wild, an Orc like me would just be dragon food.
"You must understand the difference in our military strength by now. You have no chance of winning. Surrender. We won't treat you poorly."
"...It spoke."
...Uh, Sorry, okay?
Sorry for talking!
"I understand the difference in strength."
"Then—"
"However, surrendering is out of the question."
Thought so.
If someone was going to surrender the moment they started losing after coming this far, they wouldn't have picked a fight in the first place.
Then, she readied her staff...
Zzzzz-GAGA-GAK!!
A storm of lightning erupted from her staff, directed—not at us—but straight down at her own forces on the ground.
"...What!?"
What is she doing!?
The other Flying Dragons are bewildered as well. The dragons on the ground are getting hit by lightning too, but magic of this level won't do much to them.
However, the Hiffy army isn't so lucky—they're literally getting electrocuted, turning pitch black, and collapsing one after another.
...Should we stop her?
But how? Using Yuki-danna's specialty, Mana Seal?
It's not that I can't use it. But if I do, she'll plunge straight down from the sky.
In a worst-case scenario, we might get caught in the Mana Seal ourselves and fall... Unless I ask for an upgraded version of Mana Seal meant for aerial combat, I can't use it right now.
"All units, stop her!!"
『『『Roger.』』』
Judging by the situation, this is probably a gag order.
She has no intention of letting us take prisoners. Though normal people wouldn't go around slaughtering their own allies just for that!!
While I'm thinking this, the dragons I ordered swarm toward her.
THUD!!
A heavy boom echoes, and one Flying Dragon is blown back toward me, doing a quick mid-air roll to regain its posture.
"Are you alright?"
"Y-Yes. However, I nearly lost consciousness for a split second. That is incredible lightning magic."
Hey now, she can cast magic capable of breaching a Flying Dragon's defenses?
"...So even I cannot manage it, huh. Very well. It is according to plan, regardless."
She mutters.
Because the dragons took a step back out of caution from that last attack, her voice reached all the way over here.
According to plan? What does that mean?
"...You Orc over there. I will remember you. You are now classified as the greatest threat to us."
"Well, thanks. And what—did you think I'd let you get away?"
Well, we can take our time asking questions after catching her.
"!?"
Her expression was filled with shock.
Naturally.
Because the arm holding her staff had just fallen, severed cleanly from her body.
And the one who did it was me.
She probably never imagined an Orc could master high-speed flight magic and sever an arm with a single sword swing.
At this point, capturing her unharmed is completely out of the question.
There's a real possibility the enemy's power rivals ours if we aren't careful.
"...Situation extremely disadvantageous. Operational success rate upon retreat: roughly 40%... Understood. Abandoning this location."
What is she mumbling to herself...?
『Radio wave disruption detected.』
Hearing those words, it clicked.
Oh crap, she's transmitting a message!?
Just as I realize what's happening and move to grab her, a magic circle unfolds in the next instant, and she vanishes.
"Looked like a teleportation circle."
『Yes. It appeared that way from my end as well.』
"Did we get it recorded?"
『Yes, it's recorded.』
Letting her escape can't be helped now.
First, we need to report this situation and pass along the intel.
『Mobius here. How are things on your side, Omega? We've pretty much wrapped up over here. Managed to capture them safely, too.』
So no one escaped using teleportation on Steve's side, huh.
Looks like that blonde woman really was the overall commander.
『Omega here. There's a extremely high chance the enemy is intercepting radio comms. Stop using radio transmissions.』
『For real? Roger that. All units, switch to magic comms.』
『『『Roger.』』』
Still...
This was a hell of a sight.
Amanda-jouchan was probably going to have nightmares after seeing this... It's literally a mountain of corpses everywhere.
『Mobius to Communications Command: Enemy forces confirmed destroyed. Combat has ended. Repeat, combat has ended.』
『This is Communications Command. Sky Eye is still an hour and a half away. Until then, please record the scene and recover materials.』 (Milly)
『What if the August military comes out?』
『As long as you record the necessary scene data and retrieve supplies, you can leave the rest to the August army. We don't want to create hostile relations.』 (Milly)
『Roger-ssu. It's not like we have any way to prove we're allies right now anyway... Ah, please bring Amanda-san here quickly.』
Well, looks like I still have plenty of work left to do.
Setting recording the scene and recovering materials as my top priority, I go to retrieve the severed arm and staff I cut off from that female commander.
"Hm?"
At first, I didn't realize what was bothering me.
...What is this?
This arm, this staff—something's off.
It's a clean cut, and the cross-section is clearly visible, proving just how skilled my sword technique is... Well, using a gun would've been easier, though.
If I say that out loud, the General gets mad and complains, "You're a creature from a fantasy world, so act like it!"
"...The cross-section is clearly visible? That's ridiculous."
That's right. If I cut off an arm, there's no way the cross-section would look clean.
It should be soaked in blood, making the cross-section barely visible.
...This is going to become a seriously troublesome situation.
* * *
