LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 229.1
Chapter 229.1. The Outbreak Of War
Colonel Marume observed the battle situation and speculated that the fighter squadrons seemed to be holding their own. Even though the enemy followed different rules, it appeared they couldn’t do much in the air.
However, the real issue lay on the ground. The enemy had devised a countermeasure there—attacking from underground rather than from the surface.
“Large creatures are causing damage to the tank battalion. They are being referred to as [Sword-Moles]. These creatures, which swim through the earth like it’s water, are ten meters long. Previous encounters reported that they sharpen their limbs and snouts like swords and launch surprise attacks from underground. They seem to be quite troublesome.”
“We’ve confirmed the presence of three Sword-Moles. It looks like they’re creating gaps in the battle lines. The enemy is concentrating their attacks on these gaps caused by the downed tanks. Simultaneously, magical attacks are coming in from the forest. It appears they are using infiltration tactics.”
The monitor displayed images of the Sword-Moles diving into the ground like fish into the water, then reappearing directly beneath the tanks. Even massive tanks with thick magical alloy armor and mounted with huge cannons, like self-propelled guns, were flipped over like turtles, rendering nothing more than scrap. The Sword-Moles were indeed the tanks’ arch-nemesis.
“Fill the gaps with armored vehicles. The tanks should continue to attack the forest. The Sword-Moles must be taken down with recoilless rifles. Command the infantry to eliminate them. The tanks must not divert their attention from the forest. That is likely the enemy’s objective. Besides, those tank guns are not suited for close combat.”
“Understood,” responded the staff officer, issuing new orders promptly. As the operators busily relayed communications, the monitor showed the Sword-Moles rampaging.
They looked like nothing more than giant moles, but with claws imbued with the glow of mana, they slashed at the armored vehicles. The armor was easily sliced through, forcing the vehicles to retreat in haste.
Machine gun fire couldn’t penetrate their fur, and bullets from the soldiers’ automatic rifles simply bounced off. Soldiers aimed their bazookas to destroy them. Sensing the danger, the Sword-Mole leaped like a dolphin breaching the water’s surface and quickly disappeared back into the ground. The earth rippled like water, behaving almost like a liquid, offering no resistance to the massive creature.
The bazooka shells flew uselessly through the air, exploding mid-flight. The allies were struggling against the Sword-Moles, which were far quicker than they appeared.
When one of the Sword-Moles surfaced with a splash of earth, it flashed its red eyes and opened its mouth.
“[Breath of Landslide]”
A massive landslide erupted from its mouth, sweeping away the soldiers and armored vehicles amidst their screams. Colonel Marume clicked his tongue at the confusion spreading along the front line.
“Damn it. It’s stronger than expected. Gather the skilled soldiers from the front line… hm?”
Just as the Sword-Mole was wreaking havoc like a natural disaster, part of its head exploded, sending blood and flesh scattering as its body convulsed. The moment it stopped moving, the soldiers fired their bazookas, hitting it several times in the torso. The explosions tore its body apart, finally bringing the Sword-Mole down to the ground, dead.
“Oh! Who provided that cover fire just now?”
The staff officers cheered at finally defeating the creature. The operator communicated to confirm the situation. Meanwhile, the heads of the other Sword-Moles wobbled and stopped moving, and they too were finished off with bazooka fire.
“I understand now, Colonel. That was a sniper shot from the anti-tank rifle of the Amatsugahara Army. It seems Masamune Date used a combat technique.”
“Ah… He’s supposed to be a soldier who… is officially deceased.”
Colonel Marume chuckled at the thought of Masamune Date, who, despite being officially dead, boldly claimed his name. His daring nature was impressive, but more than that, his background as a former soldier showed. He had recognized the danger and provided precise support.
“A man like that is exactly what the military needs right now… but I suppose recruiting him would be impossible.”
The number of skilled soldiers and officers had dwindled. If someone with ample war experience could be given special treatment, it might be possible, but the military had shown disgrace at the Tsukuba Line Fortress. Competent soldiers were likely reluctant to return to the military.
“Right now, winning this war is the top priority. Deploy reserve troops to fill the gaps to prevent the enemy’s advance.”
Without the Sword-Moles, the enemy wouldn’t be able to attack the tanks, Marume ordered. After that, it would be a matter of dealing with the remaining monsters that recklessly charged in. Unless the enemy had a trump card, that is.
Despite his concerns, Marume focused on the current battle and continued to check the reports alongside his staff, making the necessary adjustments.
“The Sword-Moles were likely the enemy’s trump card. From here on, the monsters will charge without any particular strategy.”
“The Wyvern Rider squad has been wiped out by the Rain Dragon squad.”
“The enemy is now a disorganized rabble. To put it bluntly, they’re trash.”
“Hmm… If the enemy halts their charge, we’ll blow up the forest. We’ll wipe out the monsters and switch to dungeon-clearing operations, coordinating with the Amatsugahara Army.”
Marume touched his chin, speculating that they might have won this initial battle. Modern weaponry clearly outperformed the power of monsters, he reaffirmed. Though they had suffered casualties, it was within acceptable limits.
At that moment, the door of the command vehicle was knocked on heavily.
“Hm? What’s going on?”
One of the soldiers tilted his head in confusion and peered through the observation window.
“Commander, we have an urgent message! A courier!”
After confirming the voice from outside, the soldier turned back and reported.
“Colonel Marume, a few soldiers have come to report. Something seems to have happened.”
Even as he reported, the soldier unlocked the door. With a clunk, the thick metal door of the armored vehicle began to open.
The staff officers were puzzled, wondering what it could be, but only Marume felt a sense of unease. Why hadn’t they used the communication system? Wouldn’t they use the radio for urgent messages?
“Wait. Verify the soldiers’ unit and names first.”
“Y-Yes. You there, where are you fro—Gah!”
But Marume’s warning came too late. A knife stabbed into the soldier’s face, and he fell without a sound. Stepping over the fallen soldier, three others entered the vehicle.
“Wh-What are you?!”