第２７８堀：ファンタジー世界の変なゴブリン (Part3)

第２７８堀：ファンタジー世界の変なゴブリン (Part3)

"So, you're saying you want me to send out another goblin unit? We still have some left over at Weed, so you should handle the deployment paperwork and budget from your end..."

But I couldn't finish that sentence.

Because...

『How many land-based weapons do you have ready for immediate use?』

"Huh?"

Today is really one of those days where my language comprehension is failing me. I felt like the Boss just asked me about modern weaponry.

『I said, land-based weapons. Modern ones, primarily.』

"W-w-wait, what is this about!?"

I don't get it! Even if we’re just talking about Earth’s modern land-based weapons, they’re overkill for this world! If he’s asking what’s operational, that means...

『What do you mean "what is this about"? We’re in a situation where we need to muster Weed’s land-based combat power. You won't understand the details just by hearing them now, so just confirm the inventory. You’re in direct charge of modern weapon management, right?』

"Yeah, well. So, what is this situation?"

『I’ll explain that later in the Weed conference room. Get here in an hour.』

"Understood."

The call ended.

"That sounded like an incredibly dangerous conversation."

"You didn't mishear it."

"Is the situation really dire enough to deploy Weed's modern arsenal...?"

"For now, I'm going to go confirm the operational status of the weapons."

As I stood up, Zargis stood up with me.

"I shall assist. I also study weaponry, so I shouldn't be a hindrance. In the worst-case scenario, we may need to move weapons currently marked as non-operational."

"...I appreciate it."

The laid-back atmosphere from earlier had vanished. Both of us felt our faces tighten at the mention of checking the weapons. After all, we were talking about deploying an arsenal that we had almost never used in combat until now.

"For now, I'll put out a call for the modern weapons unit. Zargis, please head to the weapon storage and check what's operational. I'll send word ahead. You know the location, right?"

"I do. Then, if you'll excuse me."

With that, Zargis teleported to Weed.

『Hello? What is it, Captain?』

Britt’s face appeared on the screen, looking relaxed. He’s the number two of the goblin unit and another rare asset who can operate modern weapons.

"Call up the entire modern weapons unit. Once they're gathered, hurry and check every single weapon that's operational. I mean all of them. Zargis is already on his way, but make sure the check is thorough."

『Huh? W-wait, seriously!?』

"I'm not joking. The Boss ordered a mobilization. Just make up some excuse for General Mist."

『...Understood. I will mobilize them immediately and begin the weapon check.』

Next... it wouldn't be good to pull Mino-chan; he’s busy being wined and dined by the big shots as a general in Enaria. That leaves John.

『...Hmm. What’s with the contact? Did you get dumped again? If so, go eat a cucumber.』

"Eating a cucumber isn't going to heal my heart. I'm not some vegetable-loving orc."

『Oh, looking for a fight?』

"No, enough with the jokes. The entire modern weapons unit has been mobilized. I've been tasked with checking all operational weapons."

『...Understood. I'm returning to Weed immediately. What's the situation?』

"Not yet. We'll get the details in an hour once the info is gathered. For now, John, I need you to oversee the unit. Zargis and Britt are already checking the weapons."

『Got it. I'll go provide support.』

As expected of someone I've known for so long, he acts fast.

Now, I have to check the ammunition levels on the computer.

Man, will an hour be enough?

From there, I just threw myself into the work.

Without exaggeration, neglecting a weapon check is a direct threat to my own life. Even the usually slack goblin unit takes this seriously.

"Captain. Here is the report on the vehicles."

"And here is the report on the portable firearms."

"No vacancies in the unit. Everyone is currently on standby."

I received the information from the three of them. First, the vehicle check Britt conducted.

"...So, the M1 Abrams are undergoing maintenance?"

"Yes. They've been in major maintenance since the last exercise."

"Ugh. Well, it can't be helped. We got them officially recognized by the ladies during the fortress siege, secured a budget, and increased our deployment, but the maintenance can't keep up."

"Indeed. On the bright side, all armored vehicles are operational."

"That's good. Though they are just M20s. Moving toys from the Second World War..."

"It's a matter of cost, and their primary purpose was transport."

"12.7mm rounds are like bean-shooters against a dragon-class."

"We'll have to make up for that with portable firearms."

I shifted my gaze to the portable firearms report.

"...No issues with the portable firearms. The ones in maintenance are within acceptable limits."

"Yes. The problem is how much ammo we have."

"That's not an issue. Since the budget increased, so did the ammo. Though, since we can't use it all in one mission, we'll need to organize a separate transport unit for resupply."

"Why not just put it in everyone's item boxes? Everyone can do that, right?"

"Ah, Zargis, you wouldn't know. In the modern weapons unit, we only carry the bare minimum of weapons and ammo. We do toss some in our item boxes, but..."

"Why is that?"

"We fear capture. If we die in battle, we have to recover the weapons and ammo, cross-reference them with the deployment paperwork, return the weapons, and check for losses or theft. Otherwise, firearms would end up scattered all over this world."

"...I see. So, carrying too much is a problem in itself."

"Exactly. Now, John, how's the unit's morale and health?"

"No particular issues. Everything is normal. They can perform their duties as usual."

"That's good. Alright, I'm going to report to the Boss. ...Let's see. Britt, you keep the men in line. John and I will go hear the details of the operation from the Boss. What about you, Zargis?"

"I shall accompany you. You might need a different perspective."

From the reports, there were no major problems. But the fact that the Boss called everyone in meant this was a troublesome affair.

We met up with the Boss and submitted the reports. He immediately scanned the documents.

"Good. This report is accurate, right?"

"Yes."

"Then, gather all weapons except those used for gate defense and stand by. Oh, and bring a bit more ammo than usual."

"Understood. Can I ask what happened?"

"Yeah. To put it simply..."

The Boss explained the circumstances behind the mobilization.

"An 'Unknown'?"

"That's right. We don't know what kind of enemy will appear, so I solidified our land-based weapons. Besides, for aerial combat, it's more efficient for us to fly and shoot with our own bodies."

"Well, that's true. The dragon unit might just end up being target practice."

"Exactly. For land combat, I can use my Dungeon Master skills to clear away obstacles and set up the perfect situation for a firefight. Aerial combat ignores terrain, after all..."

"So that's why you chose land-based."

"Well, if nothing happens, I'll be grateful."

"From what I've heard, if nothing happens, that's a problem in itself."

"True. But in this pattern, it wouldn't be strange if a 'Monster King' class appeared."

"Shouldn't we leave that to the Ground Self-Defense Force?"

"They aren't here. And the GSDF that has experience fighting a Monster King is a different GSDF."

He's talking about the GSDF in the footage.

"There's also a possibility of a small, powerful type. Keep that in mind."

"Understood. That would be just as troublesome."

"For now, tomorrow morning, we're taking Amanda and Eoid... no, we're planning to borrow the power of the Dragon Knight Amanda to go to Cleena's country. Have everything ready by then."

"Understood. Wait, are we dragging those two into this?"

"We have to, for the sake of appearances. But if things get dangerous, we'll get them out first. We'll deploy after they've been evacuated."

"Oh? You're planning to have them escape to Weed?"

"Well, just to the deployment gate. I intend to send them back to the Academy right after."

"Understood. Then I'll get to work."

"Yeah. I'm counting on you."

We parted ways with the Boss and began our preparations.

"Still, if something like a Monster King really is there, it doesn't seem like we have much of a chance."

"Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

"That's right. In that case, we'll just gather as much info as we can and survive."

"...You two are calmer than I expected."

"We've been with the Boss for a long time, after all."

No matter what, I trust the Boss.

I guess this makes us the first goblins to go monster hunting.

Man, what am I doing in a world of swords and magic?

Alright, Steve and his team are in work mode!

Descending into the world of swords and magic...

We are not just mere goblins.