第８４１堀：それぞれの仕事 (Part2)
Even on our modern Earth, where progress has reached such heights, the psychological toll of the battlefield remains an inescapable reality. It is often said that for any soldier, logistics and mental care are the two pillars upon which survival rests.
"Observation team, keep your eyes peeled. There’s a possibility that survivors from the Third Fleet are still out there. Underwater survey team, begin the preliminary investigation as scheduled. Dispatch Squads 2, 3, and 4. Squad 1, led by Shera, is currently serving detention."
"Understood!"
Dressa issued her orders to the fleet with crisp, practiced efficiency. It seemed that the two days of sailing and the previous day’s strategy meetings had instilled a newfound confidence in her. The hesitation that had plagued her during the mock battles was gone. I was glad I had taken the leap and appointed her as the fleet commander for the ocean survey. Thanks to the gate, we could easily move between this ship and the other carrier, the *Luna*.
I had left the defense of the waters near Sea-Cypho to Steve. He was effectively idle over there, but I had kept my promise regarding his leave. I told him he was free to amuse himself when he had nothing to do.
Still, Shera’s timing was truly abysmal. To be pulling some ridiculous stunt and ending up in detention at a time like this...
As I pondered this, Dressa turned toward me.
"Yuki-sama. We are scheduled to arrive in the designated waters momentarily. We will commence operations as planned, so please handle the communications with Weed and the report to the Kingdom of Sea-Cypho."
"Understood."
As I replied, Dressa nodded and immediately faced forward again.
"Connect me to all participating vessels."
"Understood."
"This is the Captain of the carrier *Rielish* to all participating vessels. Our joint Sea-Cypho and Weed fleet will arrive in the operational zone shortly. All hands, remain vigilant; we do not know what we may encounter. Continue your duties with focus. I expect nothing less than steady, reliable work from you all."
She declared it with authority. That should be enough to tighten the discipline of the fleet. It was a reminder that this was no game.
"Shall we get to work as well?"
"Indeed. We cannot let the efforts of Kagura, Dressa, and the others go to waste."
"Agreed. Now, General Lake, are you prepared?"
"I am. Her Majesty has instructed me to report back in detail."
Naturally, General Lake was also aboard this CDC. His presence was primarily for maintaining contact with the Sea-Cypho homeland. If there was a way to stay in constant touch, it was only logical to use it.
"Alright, let’s send our report. Hey, Seraria, can you hear me?"
"I hear you. What is it?"
I opened the communication channel right there. Being in the CDC, there was no place with a more stable connection. Beside me, General Lake was doing the same with Queen Emerald. If we hadn't, the Queen would have likely tried to board the carrier herself.
"We’ve arrived at the target area and have begun operations."
"Oh, that was faster than I expected."
"It seems we caught a favorable wind."
"I see. I don't know much about the sea, but I pray the operation goes well. And if things get too difficult, make sure you retreat."
"I know."
"Knowing you, you’ll be the one staying behind until the very end, won't you?"
"I value my life, too. I’ll run the moment things get hairy."
"Only after you’ve confirmed that everyone else has safely evacuated, right?"
"You don't have to be so pedantic..."
Just as I started to say that...
"Magic detection radar! We have a hit! I repeat, magic detection radar has a hit! Numerous magic-bearing organisms are approaching the fleet from the three o'clock position!"
The report from the observation team cut through the air.
"What? A hit on the radar? We’ve already made contact?"
"Wait, we don't have the details yet. I’ll contact you later."
"Understood."
There was no point in spreading rumors through hearsay, so I cut the connection. Beside me, General Lake was...
"Lake! Are they monsters!?"
"Your Majesty, the situation is not yet clear. I will report back to you shortly."
"Hmph. Very well."
Both queens had responded with the composure of seasoned rulers. Strong women—they were truly reliable. As for Dressa, she immediately took charge:
"Sound the alarm! All hands to battle stations!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Yes, this was starting to look like something I’d seen before. Though, the way she was raising her voice suggested she was still quite young.
"What is the status of the underwater survey team? Numbers?"
"I’m sending Squad 3. Less than five minutes until contact. The magic detection radar shows approximately thirty signatures... Wait, next report! Based on their magic output, they are around level 30! I suggest pulling the Sea-Cypho fleet back!"
"Understood. Notify the Sea-Cypho fleet..."
"Report! We have confirmed reinforcements! Approximately one hundred! And another fifty from the opposite direction!"
"Tch. Squad 1, led by Shera, sortie and support Squad 3. Squad 2, guard the fleet. Squad 4, intercept the group from the opposite direction!"
"Understood!"
"Vilia, Hiiro, Amanda, prioritize the defense of the ship!"
"Yes!"
Things had suddenly become chaotic. To think we’d be hit with this many all at once—is this area a monster's nest? Or perhaps, if I were lucky, it might just be a friendly pod of dolphins...
Despite the turmoil, the members were doing their jobs perfectly. And then, the sudden assault.
The battle against the sea monsters was about to begin!
Is Shera getting grilled like a salted fish right now?