第３０２堀：予想外 (Part2)
It would be less surprising than a dragon suddenly diving from the sky.
But, by that same token...
"By that same token, the likelihood of attacks concentrating on the Sky Eye increases. Conduct your search and reconnaissance with the utmost care."
"This is Omega to all squads and all riders. You heard the command. Don't let the Princess feel even a hint of fear."
"Roger!!"
What spirited responses.
The saving grace is that this is all grassland.
If there were forests, it would have been a nuisance.
"We are approaching the first target point. Prepare for operational maneuvers."
"To all squads, commence the operation as planned."
"Roger."
Now then, we’re heading for the ground...
"Omega, I'll see you later."
"Yeah, roger. Initiating descent to low altitude. All squads, follow me."
After responding to Steve, I led two squadrons and began our descent.
"All riders, maintain strict vigilance. Don't be surprised if an attack comes at any moment. Communication riders, do not neglect monitoring the signal status. The surrounding units will provide cover for the two scouts. Stay calm and search thoroughly. If you rush and miss something, it puts the Princess in danger. Understood?"
"Roger."
We punched through the clouds and dove straight down, leveling off just above the ground.
"All riders, maintain current altitude. Reduce speed to 100. Status of search and reconnaissance?"
"No enemy confirmed at the target point."
"Nothing confirmed here either."
"Communication rider, what is the information from Mobius? Is the link alive?"
"...Communication is fine. According to the intel from Mobius, no friendly forces or enemy signatures have been confirmed at the target point."
So, the enemy didn't come here.
If there are no friendly forces either, then the retreat hasn't happened yet.
It seems the pace of the invasion wasn't the worst-case scenario.
"Notice from Mobius. The low-altitude reconnaissance team is to maintain this altitude, increase speed to 300, and proceed directly to the target point."
"Understood. All squads, maintain current altitude. Increase speed to 300 and head for the second target point. Beyond just reconnaissance and communication, all riders must keep an eye on your surroundings. Don't be surprised if an attack comes at any moment."
Staying alert, we advanced at low altitude toward the second target point.
However, even upon reaching the second target point, there was no sign of the enemy, nor of the August army retreating.
"What is going on?"
"Well, it is strange that there isn't even a rear-guard transport of wounded soldiers... The only possibility is that the enemy isn't as formidable as we thought, and the defense is succeeding. So, 'transport' might just mean moving them within the castle walls."
"Well, that logic holds up. If that's the case, it means the enemy is struggling to breach the castle."
"That seems to be it. For now, I'll report this to Milly-ane-san."
"Yeah, I'll leave it to you."
Is the boss just overthinking things this time?
It’s unexpected in a different way.
"Alright. Report finished. Maintaining current status and heading to the final target point. We’re bound to run into the enemy there. All riders, proceed with maximum caution. Whatever you do, don't lay a hand on the August army. Make sure we leave it all for Amanda-san, who’s coming later."
"Roger."
Ah, poor thing.
I wonder how she’s going to explain all this.
We continued our search and reconnaissance as we approached the final target point, and a castle—or perhaps a fortress—came into view...
*Ta-ta-ta-ta...*
I heard the sound of gunfire.
There was no mistaking it; it was gunfire.
"This is Omega. I heard gunfire."
"This is Mobius. We heard it too. They really have guns deployed..."
*BOOM!!*
Steve’s transmission was cut off by the sound of an explosion.
Smoke was rising from the castle.
Something must have happened.
"I can't confirm anything from here; the fortress is in the way. Mobius, how is it on your end?"
"...This is Mobius. I believe it’s some kind of cannon."
"A cannon!?"
"That's right. The enemy's equipment is better than we thought. The guns don't look like matchlocks; they look like the type that fires with proper cartridges."
"Are you serious..."
They managed to build guns that advanced?
Well, regardless, I need to gather more detailed information and decide whether or not to launch an attack.
"For now, what’s the plan? Just a quick strike, or full annihilation?"
"...That’s the strange part. The moment the enemy spotted us—the dragon rider squad—they started preparing to retreat."
"Huh?"
Now that he mentioned it, the gunfire had stopped.
Why so suddenly...