第１４３掘：魔王城攻略 中編 (Part2)
"Indeed, if we focus solely on the West Gate, it wouldn't be strange for a detachment to arrive from elsewhere. It’s the perfect setup for a surprise attack."
"That is why I suggest dispatching 500 troops each to the North, South, and East gates to serve as both surveillance and, if possible, to initiate a capture to rattle them. It is unlikely they have prepared fire traps at the other gates as they have at the West; doing so would, at worst, leave them with no way to escape themselves."
"True. And to turn the areas surrounding gates of this size into a sea of flames would require an impossible amount of oil. It’s hard to imagine they’ve rigged every single gate, even if they did it for one."
"I believe the timing for the West Gate assault should coincide with the departure of the detachments for the other gates. That will facilitate internal cooperation, and if they do trigger a fire trap, we can simply retreat through the gate. Of course, we cannot afford for them to tamper with the gate mechanisms, so it would be best to form a defense unit to guard them and dismantle any such traps. That is my proposal."
With those words, Higil and her husband withdrew.
I see. Generally, launching simultaneous attacks from multiple directions is a tactic reserved for when you have superior numbers and a surplus of strength. Splitting your forces usually only increases the risk of defeat.
But in this specific case, the enemy at the West Gate is keeping the peace faction at the front to monitor them. They cannot easily reduce their surveillance, and if they move their army to the other gates, they will have to scramble to respond, which in turn will loosen their grip on the peace faction.
It seems that by gathering such a large force to monitor for betrayal, they have effectively tightened the noose around their own necks.
"I support Higil-dono's strategy. If the diversion succeeds, internal cooperation will become easier, and our casualties will be minimized."
Like Elju, the others had no objections. A unit tasked with both the diversion and the breakthrough of the other gates was immediately formed and began its advance.
Simultaneously, the main force began its assault on the West First Gate.
Attacking gates and checkpoints, unless using my husband’s unconventional weaponry, leaves little choice but to harass the enemies on the ramparts with archers while attempting to pry the gates open. We had ladders placed against the walls as well, but it was a stalemate either way. Since this was a performance, we couldn't exactly push our way inside too aggressively.
"Dear, what do you think will happen with the internal cooperation?"
"Hmm. I want it to succeed, but the guards around them are a bit too alert."
"Well, they did have a betrayal at the checkpoint, so that’s only natural."
"True. But since we sent detachments to the other gates, their numbers are thinning out. Look."
My husband pointed to the dungeon monitor. Since this area was now under the dungeon’s control, we could monitor it in real-time, just like in Weed. Honestly, with this much information at our disposal, it would be harder to lose than to win.
"Oh, people are gathering at the gate. The forces at the Second Gate are quite dispersed now. I wonder if it’ll open soon?"
"It seems the diversion worked. Now, the question is how they’ll dodge the fire traps."
As we watched, the gate began to open from the inside. On the ramparts, soldiers were waving white flags to welcome us.
"Alright, notify all units! Remember to watch for gate traps and fire countermeasures as you enter!"
"Oooooh!!!"
As planned, the Gartz unit led by the sturdy Lowell was the first to enter, carving out a path. The decision was made based on the fact that if there were any traps, the Gartz soldiers would be the most capable of pulling back safely.
The Roschur unit moved to eliminate the hostile forces within the gate, while the Riel and Weed units provided support and moved to capture the Second Gate.
Well now, I wonder how long the Second Gate will hold. Eris should be making her move soon as well; I’m looking forward to seeing how this all unfolds.
The gate was liberated with ease. I wonder how long the Second Gate unit will last. Just what is happening inside the Demon King's Castle?!