第２８１堀：偵察 (Part2)
"That’s why, if we don't aim for a total shutout victory, it’s going to be a massive problem for us, considering everything we’re trying to achieve in the New Continent."
The only damage I can afford to allow is limited to the forest and grasslands between the Lancer Magic Academy and the August Kingdom. If they start rampaging anywhere else, the collateral damage will be catastrophic, and the relationships we’ve built—not to mention the intelligence we’ve gathered on magic—could all become meaningless.
"It’s about time. Steve, I’m counting on you."
"You got it. Alright, scout team, move out!"
Steve and his subordinates snap a sharp salute. However, we can't help but make awkward faces as we watch them. I mean...
"Pfft! A salute in nothing but a loincloth just doesn't have any dignity!" John says, bursting into laughter.
That’s right—since Steve and his team are heading out disguised as wild goblins, their appearance is limited to nothing more than loincloths, rusted swords, and clubs.
"Shut it!! Damn it!! Goblins wear clothes too, you know!! Hey, you lot, let’s go!! We’re just getting laughed at standing here!"
It’s a rather uninspiring departure, but I suppose that’s how it’s always been from the start.
"What’s wrong, Yuki? Was Steve that funny?"
"No. I just remembered that’s exactly how he looked when I first met him."
To think that a goblin who didn't know the first thing about traps, tactics, or how to use a weapon has come this far. Hmm? This trip down memory lane feels like a flag.
...It’ll be fine. Steve has the God of Comedy on his side. Even if he takes a direct hit from a heat ray, his hair will probably just turn into an afro. Wait—Steve doesn't even have any hair, does he?
*“This is Steve. Everyone is outside. Please close the exit.”*
The contact comes through the call.
"Understood."
I respond while glancing at Steve’s head; indeed, there is no hair. Is the goblin race naturally bald?
*“Proceeding to the 3km mark as planned.”*
"Understood. Keep communications to a minimum unless it’s an emergency until then."
*“Roger. Commencing operation.”*
The call cuts off, and a timer appears. I can also keep an eye on Steve and his team through the bird’s vision.
"Well, it’s started. It’s exactly 10:00 AM. At their pace, they should arrive in less than ten minutes. So, what are the Holy Sword Users doing?"
"There haven't been any notable movements so far. But why wouldn't she have them converge on the academy immediately?" Ratz asks, checking the monitor at Seraria’s prompt.
"That’s simple. Just like us, she’s sticking to the fundamental rule of keeping her cards hidden until the time is right."
"But 'cards'? Ground Zero has already been discovered, hasn't it?"
"It’s not just about the appearance of Ground Zero. The fact that they’re waiting for us is what matters. I mean, if something that huge were to start marching, you’d notice it immediately, right?"
"Yes."
"In that case, a normal person would run. And those with some ability would prioritize evacuation and gathering information rather than facing it head-on. They aren't resisting randomly; they’re waiting to ensure a certain victory."
"Ah, I see. If Ground Zero comes to the city, they’ll be able to gauge its speed and attack methods to some extent, won't they?"
"Exactly. Right now, Ground Zero isn't moving at all. They have no idea how fast it is or how much attack power it possesses. And given that massive size, no one is going to be foolish enough to poke the hornet's nest. Even if they did, the Holy Sword User Alfin would probably handle it... everyone except us, that is."
That’s right—we are the exception here, the Joker. We are the ones who break the rules. The miscalculation for the Holy Sword Users was identifying us as the enemy. If they had left us alone to do as we pleased, we would have been quite a nuisance to them. But the disaster began the moment they recognized us as the first enemy to be defeated after the Enaria incident.
Their decision to attack all at once rather than sending enemies one by one—like in some manga—is commendable. But that "commendable" strategy is based on the premise that they can actually defeat us. If they can't, it’s nothing more than a crushing defeat where they all get wiped out together.
"...It really is a game of deception, isn't it?"
"That’s it. In this battle against the Holy Sword Users, the key is how much you can limit your own information while leading the opponent to misjudge the situation."
"So, in the end, the Holy Sword Users really did prioritize our elimination above all else until the very end, didn't they?"