第１０４１堀：進攻開始 (Part1)
**Chapter 1041: The Advance Begins**
**The Advance Begins**
**Side: Yuki**
As I stepped into the room, Milly was watching the monitors with a quiet, serious expression.
The local time was just past 10:00 AM, and the scene was being broadcast via the drones we had deployed.
There, a massive army stood in perfect, silent formation, facing off against a certain town.
"How is it, Milly?"
I spoke softly so as not to startle her as she focused on the screens.
"Yes. The deadline for the surrender ultimatum we issued to the town housing that dungeon is almost up."
"And the enemy? Any movement?"
"None so far. I’ve checked the area up to 50 kilometers behind the town with the drones, but there’s no sign of reinforcements, nor any messengers riding out. The Forma Kingdom hasn't mounted any response to this invasion."
Indeed, the Zurable Empire hadn't even used the full three months of preparation time they had allotted.
In just over two months, General Vol’s Second Army had completed their preparations and relocation. Since no further intelligence or enemy movements were being gathered, the invasion was launched ahead of schedule.
And now, they were in the midst of capturing the town that housed the dungeon—the operation's most anticipated bottleneck.
If the worst-case scenario occurred, the Dungeon Master might join the fray directly.
If that happened, monsters would swarm out from the dungeon at the heart of the town.
Honestly, having a supply point right in the middle of the enemy’s territory is just too troublesome.
By the way, there are no other major strongholds of the Forma Kingdom on the Second Army’s path other than this town. Once this falls, it’s a straight shot to the royal capital.
I had expected the enemy’s resistance to be fierce, but… there wasn't even a hint of reinforcements.
Even if they hadn't anticipated Zurable coming from this direction, this is far too sloppy.
Or perhaps… are they aiming for a "decisive battle on home soil"?
Well, that’s not quite the right term, but if they can't deploy enough strength to cover the invasion route including this town, they might be concentrating their forces at the capital instead.
That would make sense.
If that’s the case, it’s understandable why this town isn't resisting.
They simply don't have the strength to put up a fight.
"And the situation inside the town?"
"According to the drones and wyvern scouts, there’s no gathering of soldiers. Information from Kirika’s subordinates inside the town suggests the populace is simply in a state of panic. It seems they never expected Zurable to show up at all. Meanwhile, the lord and the Adventurer’s Guild seem to be in deliberations. We did present terms for surrender when Zurable completed the encirclement, after all."
"Right, the terms were basically keeping the town’s systems as they are, but allowing a permanent stationing of Zurable troops for surveillance, correct?"
"Yes. It’s to ensure they can suppress the town if it tries to revolt. It might invite backlash, but doing nothing is even more dangerous. We aren't touching their other interests."
"That sounds like an incredibly generous offer… I wonder what they’re hesitating about."
No help is coming. They have no means to fight.
In a situation where they have nothing, is there any point in debating further?
Or perhaps they’re just agonizing over who should be the one to negotiate with Zurable.
"Hmm, could it be because of those rumors?"
"Yes, it seems so. Among the townspeople, the prevailing opinion—or rather, the prevailing fear—is that Zurable won't keep their word and will just slaughter everyone anyway."
"Good grief. The rumors spread by the Hein Empire are really proving to be a nuisance for us."
"Indeed. Rumors are truly troublesome; they obscure the truth. Regardless, we can only wait for their answer. By the way, how are things on your end, Yuki-san? Any issues at the defensive lines?"
"No, it’s quiet over here too. No monsters marching out from the surrounding dungeons. It’s peaceful, really. That’s why I came to check on how things were going here."
If the enemy were attacking, I wouldn't have the luxury of showing my face here. I only came because I was truly bored.
Still, I intend to return immediately if anything happens… but honestly, this whole dungeon situation is a massive letdown.
"I see. Is the defense secure in case of an emergency?"
"Yeah. That’s not a problem. The troops are on standby in perfect formation, ready to deploy anywhere at a moment's notice. Though, Steve and the others are probably bored stiff, sitting in the same room in full gear. Usually, they’d be on half-watch, but with the invasion today, we have to be ready."
"If the enemy were to attack from elsewhere, this would be the perfect timing for them."
"Exactly. And yet, the enemy isn't moving at all. I’m starting to conclude that the Dungeon Master is already gone."
"Don't let your guard down."
"I know."
The "last-minute surprise" is a valid strategy, after all.
There is a slight possibility that the opponent is that kind of tactician.
But I find it hard to believe that people who wouldn't move in this current situation could come up with something like that.
Actually, the fact that they’ve let it get to this point at all is proof of their incompetence.
I just need to watch out for a hero or some legendary figure suddenly popping up.
As I was lost in these idle thoughts, a contact window appeared on the monitor Milly was watching.
"Information from the town. It looks like messengers on horseback are heading toward the Zurable army."
"Well, let’s see what kind of answer they’ve come up with."
As I watched the screen, three horses emerged from the gate just as reported, heading toward the Zurable army’s main camp.
"By the way, you said the town is in a panic, but has anyone tried to escape? We aren't surrounding the rear, so have they already fled?"
"Yes, they’ve already fled. When we issued the surrender ultimatum, we told them anyone who wanted to leave could do so. Besides, a large population is a hassle to govern."
"So, the ones left in the town are either the ones who couldn't make up their minds, or the ones who have resolved themselves to stay."
"That is correct."
That makes them troublesome if they turn hostile.
Dealing with soldiers prepared to die is a massive headache.
"Oh, the riders are being escorted directly to the Zurable main camp. It seems they do intend to talk."
"Yeah, if they were going to be hostile, they’d just declare it from a distance and start the battle. Well, I’ll leave it to General Vol’s capabilities."
Now, what kind of demands will the other side make, and will they be acceptable?
And furthermore, can Zurable provide an answer that takes those demands into account?
A general’s job isn't just to crush the enemy. If they can avoid fighting, they should take the path that preserves their strength.
I was thinking that General Vol wouldn't make such a mistake when my radio crackled.
*"Ah, ah, this is Eupia. Can you hear me, Lord Yuki?"*
"I hear you, Emperor Eupia. Can you hear me?"
*"Yes, loud and clear. Then, I shall report immediately. You were watching as well, so you likely know, but the messengers arrived and Vol handled it."*
"Yes, I confirmed that on this end."
*"To put it briefly, the town has surrendered to Zurable."*
Oh, so that’s how it went.
Hmph, maybe the people who stayed behind are more reasonable than I thought.
Or perhaps…
"That’s good to hear. But can we really take them at their word?"
Exactly. There’s always the possibility that they’re feigning surrender to lure key military figures into the town and assassinate them.
Inside the town, the advantage of military numbers is harder to utilize. If they’re prepared for a suicide mission, the casualties could be significant.