第３０１堀：飛龍隊 (Part2)
"Therefore, their motivation is high, and considering the need to build up their overall evaluation and experience, I believe this is the best choice we can make right now. And, in the unlikely event that the Wyvern Squadron suffers losses against the opponent..."
"We don't need to hold back our combat power, right? Or rather, we don't have the luxury to do so."
"Exactly. If they possess that level of strength, the nations on the New Continent won't be able to handle it, and there's a high probability that we will suffer significant damage in more ways than one. Therefore, in that case, we will gather all available forces from Weed to annihilate them. If that fails, we retreat. That’s why, as part of your assessment, Steve and John, you must accurately evaluate the enemy's strength."
"Understood."
"And that concludes the flashback."
As I finished speaking, John looked somewhat sullen—or perhaps just exasperated—as he nibbled on a cucumber.
"I mean, I understand the logic. But as always, you're ruthless, or perhaps I should say, you leave no openings..."
I know how he feels. It’s the same old, cutthroat strategy.
"You really do consider everything, from the situation to our own circumstances..."
"That’s the General for you. It’s been that way since the old days, hasn't it?"
"I suppose. But hey, you know the Wyvern Squadron's equipment, right?"
At John's words, I turned my eyes to the desk. Conveniently—or perhaps inconveniently—the instruction sheet for the Wyvern Squadron's equipment was right there. It read...
"Equipment Type 5. A full loadout consisting of five categories: reconnaissance, anti-air, anti-ground, communications, and supply. It’s fully armed, isn't it?"
That’s right. As John said, it’s Equipment Type 5. It’s a full-scale loadout designed for the Wyvern Squadron to handle any situation, including long-term operations. That said, we don't load everything onto a single wyvern. In a squadron—a formation of ten—one serves as the leader, one is equipped for reconnaissance, three carry modern weaponry like vulcan cannons for anti-air, three carry anti-ground equipment like bombs, one handles magical communication gear, and the final one carries supplies, including weapons, ammunition, and food.
"We’re abandoning the use of fire breath from the start... Is that really okay? Bringing out modern weapons?"
"If the enemy is smart enough to understand the difference in power and panic into retreating, it’ll make later negotiations easier, right?"
"Yeah... You really are ruthless. And five of those squadrons are deploying, right?"
"That’s right. Plus, we’re sending three specialized strike teams—anti-air, anti-ground, and anti-personnel—with three wyverns each."
"And on top of that, the two wyverns we’re riding. A total of 61. What, are you planning to crush the Hifi Holy Kingdom?"
"Like I said, if they can understand the power gap, we can bring them to the table for talks."
"...Right. The image of total annihilation was so strong because of the overwhelming force that I pushed that part aside."
Yeah, I get that feeling. But this isn't an opponent we can afford to go easy on. The General mentioned that there’s a high probability the enemy comes from the same world as he does. If things go poorly, even if their weaponry is inferior, they might be sharper than the General himself, so we can't let our guard down. That’s why I think he gave orders to settle this in one fell swoop.
As we were talking, the long-awaited word finally came from Britt.
"Captain. Pre-departure preparations are complete."
"Understood, we're heading out now."
"Alright. Let’s go."
We headed to the makeshift departure gate built in the forest near August. The wyverns were lined up by squadron, waiting. Their intelligence is quite high; they understand human speech and can speak clearly. Above all, they cherish Princess Aslin and the others. Everyone had been briefed on the mission, and their faces were filled with determination.
"Gentlemen. I believe you understand the situation. Time is of the essence. However, if you panic and make mistakes, it will lead to danger for Princess Aslin. So, stay calm and listen to the mission overview one more time."
With that, John stepped forward and displayed the mission overview on a monitor. The wyverns listened intently. Once the briefing ended, the biggest event before the actual departure began.
"We are about to launch, but before that, I will announce each unit's callsign."
Yes, their combat designations. This is to hide individual information from the enemy and prevent things like assassinations. No, don't say "who's going to assassinate a wyvern?" You never know when or where someone capable of taking down a wyvern might appear.
"First, the strike team's callsign will be Yellow Squadron."
*Rustle...*
The wyverns were surprised by the callsign. Well, the source material is from a certain game, but since the General calls them the ones who conquered the great skies, the Wyvern Squadron recognizes it as a sacred name.
"Next, the first will be Garm Squadron, the second will be Wardog Squadron, the third will be Scarface Squadron, the fourth will be Gryphus Squadron, and the fifth will be Garuda Squadron. I expect each of you to carry out your duties calmly and surely, without shaming your callsigns!!"
*SKREEE!!*
The roar of the wyverns echoed through the air. Their motivation was at an absolute maximum.
"And my callsign is Mobius. Well, I’ll do my best not to be overshadowed by the name."
...I think I’m completely overshadowed by the name. I mean, I don’t feel like I can win against that monster’s combat assessment. Well, I’ll leave the punchline to John.
"Finally, John’s callsign is Omega."
"Hey!!"
Omega—the name of a legendary bail-outer. "Bailout" refers to the emergency escape device used in fighter jets and the like. Well, it means being shot down, but it’s not an insult. It’s a callsign for a man who always returns alive. ...Really, it is.
"All units, begin departure!!"
"Hey, you!!"
Well, time to get to work. ...It goes without saying that the wyverns were looking at John with sad eyes.
*“What kind of guy is this... They’re turning the tide of battle!?”*
*“Yeah, Jean-Lu... was taken out!?”*
*“Calm down, Jean, you take over!”*
*“The opponent has a ribbon!!”*
*“No, the Demon of the Round Table is there too!!”*
*“Is that black one over there the Demon of Razgriz!?”*
*“Even the mercenaries!?”*
*“Look!! That one is the Star of Death!!”*
*“And a bird, too. What a collection of gentlemen. Now, let’s dance with the angels!!”*
*“...Was there a unit that bailed out even though it wasn't hit?”*
*“Isn't the machine malfunctioning?”*
Well, if you understand the references in this radio chatter, you’re quite the enthusiast. And since there might be an aerial battle, I couldn't pass up the chance to use these lines. I don't know what will happen to the enemy, though. For those who don't understand, search for "Ace Combat."