LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 228.2
Chapter 228.2. Fortress Attack Begins
150 tanks, 150 armored vehicles, numerous transport trucks for infantry, and 5,000 infantry mobilized this time. The report from the subordinate is accurate.
“Is it that the metal resources are running low? Managing ammunition so strictly, it’s unusual for a war, Colonel Marume.”
“That shows how much importance is placed on this war.”
As a Colonel, I am the commander for this operation. Normally, it would be led by a Major General or a Brigadier General, but due to recent internal conflicts, the numbers have greatly decreased, and it has come to me.
There is joy in my promotion. Around this time last year, I was receiving trivial orders and defeating monsters. However, being in a position responsible for everyone’s lives brings more stress than joy.
“Is it a luxury problem, then?”
I touch the sword hanging at my waist and sigh. It’s unlikely I’ll be on the front lines again. I feel a sense of loneliness about that. But reality doesn’t give me time to dwell on such sentimentality.
“Colonel, all vehicles are ready for attack. We can proceed at any time.”
The staff officer reports while touching the map projected on the operations table. The latest Type 26 command vehicle, ‘Usagi’, is equipped with excellent radar and information processing capabilities, marking the positions of the surrounding tanks with yellow dots.
“Drone reconnaissance complete. Enemy positions confirmed.”
“Many monsters detected in the forest. The deployment seems to be complete.”
“Large monsters detected. According to the thermal imaging, the forest is completely red! Enemy numbers… exceed 100,000!”
“The Tianjing Army has completed deployment behind the tank battalion.”
Listening to the operators’ reports, my expression turns bitter. The numbers are huge. The fortress reputation is well-deserved.
“We will wait for the aerial bombardment. Afterwards, we’ll use the tank battalion’s barrage to turn the forest into barren land.”
“Understood. This is Ground Forces [Kongo]. We are ready for combat and request the bombing attack.”
“Understood. This is the Bomber Squadron [Soryu]. We are starting the attack.”
Following Marume’s orders, the operator requests support. The bombers respond, and soon the roar of jet engines fills the air.
The front monitor shows old-fashioned ground attack aircraft approaching. They are chunky, turtle-like fighters with a speed of about 600 km/h, which is rather slow.
The escorting Type 26 fighters also roar past them, flying alongside.
These are the remaining air forces. The rebellion of the Miyoshi family significantly reduced their numbers. They are like a treasured asset. The formation consists of 20 Type 26 fighters and 30 Type 26 bombers.
The reverse-wing Type 26 fighter [Amayuru] is equipped with stealth technology, penetrating missiles [Yariame], and 30mm machine guns. The powerful latest model [Amayuru] creates a sonic boom and approaches the forest at supersonic speed.
However, as the lead aircraft enters the forest, sparks fly from its body. By the time I realized something was wrong, the aircraft was shattered and burning as it crashed into the forest, exploding on impact.
Seeing this, the other fighters quickly turned and flew away from the forest.
“What happened?”
Marume clicks his tongue at the destruction of the aircraft without any action. Losing a 20 billion yen fighter is a severe blow.
“A net has been spread above the forest. It looks like a spider’s web made of nearly transparent threads. It seems there are countless nets!”
“We’ve spotted Arachne hiding among the trees. There are many of them.”
The operator quickly analyzes and reports why the aircraft was destroyed. The large monitor in the command vehicle switches to display the forest, showing numerous Arachne clinging to towering trees.
They are monsters with the upper body of a gaunt old woman and the lower body of a giant spider. Their combat power is quite high. Their webs are so sticky they cannot be removed once attached and are as sharp as a saw.
“Cease low-altitude flights! Switch to high-altitude bombing!”
“Enemies, w-wyvern riders have appeared in large numbers!”
“From the forest, an army of orcs, ogres, and trolls centered on kobolds has begun advancing!”
“All reconnaissance drones have been destroyed!”
Frowning at the anxious reports from the operators, I realize these individuals lack combat experience. They have only dealt with overwhelmingly advantageous small-scale battles.
And worst of all, the enemy seems to have fully prepared for interception.
“Reports must be precise! Even if not detailed, report the scale. Tank battalion, commence horizontal firing! Fighters, protect the bombers. What do you think you’re here for, if not as escorts?”
Issuing instructions in a calm voice, the operators regain their composure, and the staff issues commands to the troops.
As the tank battalion aims its guns at the forest, they fire with a thunderous roar. The air trembles, and the shells blow the forest away along with the monsters.
The sight of the tank battalion firing in unison was magnificent. The monsters emerging from the forest were blasted apart by the iron masses, becoming flesh and blood clouds as they fell.
Next, the bombers reach above the forest and drop their accumulated bombs. With a high-pitched sound cutting through the air, the bombs explode, destroying the once green and lush mountains.
The fighter squadron engages the enemy wyvern riders, launching missiles to bring them down. Despite the wyverns having scales harder than iron and being able to cut through thick armor with their powerful magic, their speed is around 600 km/h. They can fight helicopters but cannot compete with fighters.
“Oh. Impressive!”
The young staff officer, watching the combat scene on the monitor, laughs excitedly. This scale of battlefield must be new to him. Even Marume, who has never seen or participated in a battle of this magnitude, maintains a calm demeanor despite his inner feelings.
“Our forces are overwhelming. With this, we can win.”
“Indeed, modern weaponry cannot be defeated by mere monsters.”
“This proves that skills are unnecessary. Seeing these results, the special district might abandon its autonomy.”
“Not sure. The enemy is likely anticipating this development. It would be fine if they just charged at Heights 203.”
Watching the excited subordinates and observing the battlefield, Colonel Marume sees one of the tanks, a massive iron behemoth, being lifted and overturned on the monitor.
“It seems it won’t be so easy. The enemy appears to be fighting by different rules.”
The tank was overturned by a monster emerging from the ground, a massive creature at least 10 meters tall.
For some reason, this monster is named after a dragon—a mole dragon.
It seems this will not be a simple battlefield, and Colonel Marume sighs in resignation.