第３０２堀：予想外 (Part1)
### Chapter 302: Unexpected
**Side: John**
Good grief, what an absurd call sign they’ve saddled me with.
No, it’s not that Omega-san is bad or anything.
It’s just… well, it feels like bad luck to head into battle with a name like that.
This is absolutely the work of Yuki-danna.
He used me as the final punchline. I’ll have to complain to him later.
*“From Communication Command to all riders. Please maintain an altitude of 10,000 feet or higher. Use the clouds as a shield and proceed under cover.”*
A transmission comes in from Milly-neesan.
*“From Mobius to all riders. You heard her. Maintain 10,000 feet or higher. Fortunately, there are low clouds today. We’ll coordinate with them.”*
*“““Roger!”””*
Well, the complaints can wait.
We have already sortied and are currently climbing rapidly to our cruising altitude.
We are ascending almost vertically into the sky.
It’s a rate of climb impossible for standard aircraft.
However, 10,000 feet is about 3,000 meters.
In Japan, the only thing you’d hit at that height would be Mt. Fuji.
If I recall, most of the mountains around here are at most 2,000-meter class.
Actually, it’s mostly just plains.
The 5,000-meter peaks are only found in the mountain range near the Academy, and the Academy itself sits in a basin surrounded by those high mountains.
Because it’s enclosed by mountains, the entry routes are restricted, which is one reason why the Academy exists in isolation—invading it is simply not worth the cost.
The reverse is also true; getting out of that mountain range is a struggle, which is one reason why the Academy’s invasion of other countries isn’t much of a concern.
It’s also a habitat for powerful monsters; it is, quite literally, a natural fortress.
*“Communication Command confirms all riders have reached 10,000 feet. Form up.”*
*“““Roger!”””*
While I was thinking about that, each squadron formed up, and Steve and I—Mobius and Omega—took the lead.
We’ve practiced this enough that it’s not a problem.
Looking at them, their motivation hasn’t been dampened either.
There don’t seem to be any issues with morale.
*“From Communication Command to all riders. Maintain speed 350 km/h, heading 280. We are approximately two hours from the target point.”*
*“Mobius, roger. All riders, maintain speed 350 km/h, heading 280. Don’t go all out and run out of breath. Use your auxiliary boosters to conserve stamina.”*
*“““Roger!”””*
The "auxiliary boosters" are equipment that applies enchantment technology to provide mana storage and levitation functions.
They are designed to reduce the consumption of mana and physical stamina from flapping wings, thereby extending the flight range of the Wyverns.
These boosters can be toggled to store mana; they are kept off during transit, but when disengaging from an airspace, one can dump mana into them to unleash the levitation function at full capacity for a high-speed retreat.
After repeated experiments with Wyverns, we’ve recently been testing vertical take-offs and mid-air launches with Zero fighters.
The Boss was delighted, saying that we might be able to build jet fighter squadrons that don’t require runways in the future.
Well, I doubt the budget will ever be approved.
After all, the cost of a single airframe is more than ten times that of an M1 tank...
*“Communication Command to Mobius and Omega. Do you read?”*
Hm?
A private channel? Is there something they need to tell us?
*“This is Mobius. I read you.”*
“This is Omega. Communication is clear.”
*“Good. It seems communication is fine for now.”*
*“What do you mean by that?”*
As Steve said, it’s a strange way to put it.
It sounds as if there’s a problem with the communication lines.
*“The cause is unknown, but there is some noise on our end. Yuki-san, Narjia-san, and Zargis have determined it’s likely due to magnetic interference or the clouds. Please assume that, in the worst-case scenario, electronic communication may become unusable. Yuki-san’s instruction is to leave the judgment of how to notify the troops to you.”*
Ah, so they want to see how we handle unforeseen circumstances...
“What do you want to do?”
*“I’ll notify them. If we consider the worst-case scenario, there’s a possibility we could be struck while in confusion due to communication failure, making it impossible to carry out the mission. We must avoid that.”*
*“Understood. I will relay that to Yuki-san. Also, as planned, he would like one or two squadrons to fly at ultra-low altitude for visual confirmation and information gathering.”*
*“Got it. We’ll split off 15 minutes before reaching the target, as planned.”*
Well, I agree with Steve’s assessment.
I don’t want to invite confusion.
Should I tell them to rely on magical communication as a backup, assuming electronic interference?
...Well, that’s Steve’s call, not mine.
What I need to focus on is the enemy reconnaissance at ultra-low altitude.
I’m the one commanding this unit, after all.
Steve and the four squadrons led by Mobius will be up high.
I and the two squadrons led by Omega will be down low.
One side will act as a decoy to draw the enemy’s attention, while the other monitors and gathers information.
Since we’re the ones flying at ultra-low altitude, we’re more likely to be spotted and subjected to attacks using firearms.
Therefore, the units following me are high-mobility units: Garuda and Griffis.
Steve has the units with well-rounded capabilities: Yellow, Garm, War Dog, and Scarface.
Now, let’s see who draws the short straw.
*“From Mobius to all riders. Communication Command has reported interference in electronic communications. Please consider the possibility that electronic comms may become unusable. Keep magical communication as your primary, and in the event of a total communication blackout, be aware that we will use Morse code via light signals. Keep a close watch on your radios and reports from your squadron’s communication riders.”*
*“““Roger!”””*
I’ve informed everyone of the possibility of a total blackout.
They don’t seem particularly panicked.
Well, we’ve drilled extensively for total communication failure, so I don’t think it’ll be a problem.
*“Considering the possibility of radio interception, we will switch to designated channel 10 for communication. Communication riders, report immediately if you detect anything unusual.”*
*“““Roger!”””*
Radio interception, huh?
I don’t think the enemy is capable of that, but if they were, it would be a disaster.
For now, it’s just a standard flight.
“Omega to Communication Command. How are the Boss and the others doing with Sky Eye?”
*“Yuki-san and the others, along with Sky Eye, have already departed the barracks with Vixen-san and two of his subordinates on board. Cruising speed is 200 km/h. Maintaining an altitude of 600 feet.”*
“That’s awfully slow and low. Wasn’t the original plan 300 km/h at 1,000 feet?”
*“That’s because they are flying with a large Agust army flag to inform the Agust military that they are Dragon Knights.”*
“Good grief...”
Well, I suppose that ensures they won’t be attacked by mistake.