第２１８掘：戦 (Part2)
"I shall adopt that strategy. Lord Horst of the Betan territory has promised to defect, so we shall strike with a force of 50,000. 10,000 to the site of the collapse, 5,000 each to the fort and the other town, and 5,000 to slip through the gaps and delay the enemy's reinforcements."
"And what do you intend to do with the remaining 5,000?"
"They are to thoroughly seal off the enemy's information. Do not let a single soul escape from the towns or the fort. As for the enemy's main reinforcement unit, limit yourselves to mere containment. If they emerge, keep your distance and repeatedly disengage. Remember, the objective is to buy time and paralyze their movements."
"Understood!"
I cannot afford to lose this battle.
Numerically, looking at the current situation, the possibility of defeat is extremely low.
However, General Prism and the others were caught in an unexpected predicament and stalled by a natural disaster.
There is no guarantee that the same won't happen to us.
I must make full use of the numerical strength at my disposal, without arrogance or carelessness, to ensure a certain victory.
***
Side: ???
"My, my. I see. So they're making full use of their numerical advantage."
"Indeed. It is usually difficult to maintain coordination when spread so widely with such numbers, but they show no signs of it. That strategy is likely intended to seal our eyes and ears—our intelligence."
"Oh? Have you been studying military tactics?"
"No, not until I came to be with my husband. Besides, it would be foolish to possess such knowledge and pretend otherwise."
"That's true. Honestly, our husband is incredible. It’s just knowledge, but it’s all in how you use it. He understood that, and he taught us this knowledge without holding anything back."
"Yes. My husband trusted us. He taught us various things so that we could protect the world we live in ourselves, rather than relying on his hands alone."
"Then, what should we do with the fools who stand in our way?"
"We shall set them on the right path. That is the way I, a former saintess and his wife, wish to conduct myself."
"A path, is it? I shall simply cut down anything that stands before my husband. That is the reason I was born with a sword in my hand."
As the saintess and I spoke, we walked leisurely down the road, blocking the advance of the army that appeared to be Enaria's information-blockade unit.
"A woman...? Judging by her attire, she must be of some standing, but... my current orders are that no one must know of our presence. Cut them down!!"
Seeing us, a soldier on horseback immediately drew his sword and charged toward us.
"Oh, how splendid. Faithfully executing orders. A good soldier, indeed."
"Yes. However..."
The saintess beside me narrowed her eyes and tapped her staff—which could also serve as a bo staff—firmly against the ground.
The charging horse collapsed, and the soldier was thrown, unable to move from the spot.
"If they cannot even gauge our strength, they still have much to learn."
"What did you do?"
"I would like to say... gravity, but I have yet to fully grasp the concept of gravity. I simply applied my magical power itself and left it at that."
"Ah, I thought you might have used some wind-based technique, but using raw magical power... for better or worse, you've started to resemble our husband."
Still, this leaves me with no chance to show off.
Well, I suppose I shall handle the interrogation.
"Guh... what happened?"
"Who knows? For now, why don't you tell us why you suddenly decided to attack us?"
I pressed my sword against the soldier's neck.
"...I will not say. You might as well kill me."
"My, how stoic. Well, I can guess the gist of it, and I doubt everyone is going to be so tight-lipped."
"...Even if you kill me, the result will not change. This is not something you can handle so easily."
"I see. I look forward to it. The 5,000 scattered about, the fort and the town, and the 5,000 marching deep into the interior, ignoring all else. I pray there is someone capable of being our opponent."
"Wh-what? How do you know that...!?"
Without waiting for him to finish, I cut off his consciousness.
"My apologies. Since you wouldn't tell me, I don't intend to tell you either."
"Oh dear, he's already fainted."
"It's fine. It's all about the atmosphere. Now, let's finish off these people blocking the information and go back to Sakura and Sumire."
"Indeed. The others are handling the other sectors. Still, it feels good to be active after so long."
"Yes, it's refreshing. Let's enjoy this exercise and change of pace to the fullest."
"Yes. Though, perhaps we should try to finish quickly and go provide support elsewhere."
"That sounds good. Rurua, you really have changed."
"I couldn't understand this side of Seraria in the past, but now, I understand it a little."
"Then let's enjoy ourselves."
I sheathed my sword and gazed in the direction of the enemy.
"Now then, I trust you don't think everything will be decided on a battlefield where they call this a mere skirmish or a prelude."
I look forward to seeing the look on the enemy general's face when he hears this report.
And so, the enemy's reinforcement general is by no means incompetent!!
5,000 to each sector, and 5,000 for the information blockade—how will Seraria and Rurua handle them?!
Betan is finally exposed to the enemy's fierce onslaught!!
It's a crisis!! You'd better be worried!!