第１３５５堀：先遣隊 (Part2)
"Well, that’s the standard procedure. We’ve already confirmed the western town has fallen based on prior reports. Even if they head south, that’s just the Saintess’s Spring; there shouldn't be any real issues there."
"Even if there’s damage, it’d only be to the spirits of the spring, right? Though, I’m not even sure how you’d go about dealing physical damage to a spirit in the first place."
As we were discussing this, further intelligence arrived from headquarters.
『We have successfully intercepted the enemy. Transmitting visual data now.』
Oh, finally.
A display materialized before us. Two separate video feeds expanded, their locations pinpointed on the map to the side.
『The location is near the initial point of appearance, but they seem to be moving toward the northern town.』
"So, it’s safe to assume the northern town is the next target?"
『As of now, yes.』
"Then our job is to stall them. Any changes to the plan from the Boss?"
『None at the moment. Yuki is currently contacting the various nations to explain the situation. Please hold your ground until the discussions are concluded and reinforcements arrive.』
"That sounds like it’s going to take quite a while."
『Once a base of operations is established, we can send reinforcements via the gate, so it should be manageable.』
"Well, we’ll see once we’re on the ground. I’ve no intention of dying for nothing."
『Understood. We are well aware. Even if they are goblins, at level 100, they possess the combat prowess of a level 30 human soldier.』
...Yeah, I know that’s just a standard fact, but no matter how many times I hear it, it’s just sad how pathetic a creature a goblin is if level 100 only equals a level 30 human.
"So, what’s their marching speed? We’ve only just cleared Litea. We still have to cross a whole nation. Will we make it in time?"
Just as Surakichi-san pointed out, we had only just managed to clear Litea while we were talking. We had received permission to bypass the border towns, but that didn't mean we could reach our destination instantly. Considering the distance, it would take three days of driving.
『We are currently calculating their speed, but since they are traveling on foot, a standard carriage journey from the western town is said to take a week.』
"If they’re at the midpoint, that means they’ve got three or four days left, at most."
"That’s cutting it close."
『No, that estimate is for carriages. Since it’s a large-scale march, their movement speed will be even slower. We are tracking General Steve and his forces, so even with rest periods, we expect you to arrive two days before they make contact with the northern town. That is the current projection.』
"And if we don't make it in time?"
『In that case, stow the vehicle and fly.』
"Is flying from the start not an option?"
『It is not. If it becomes known that we can traverse the skies at will, every nation will be on high alert. We must maintain the appearance of traveling by land.』
"International politics is such a pain."
『That is the nature of the world. We will continue to gather intelligence. Once you two have drafted the operational plan, please submit it.』
"Wait, even while we're out in the field?"
『It shouldn't be a problem while you're traveling in the vehicle. Good luck. Eris and Ratz have also requested that you include projected ammunition and supply consumption in your report.』
What an unreasonable demand.
But as public servants, we couldn't exactly say that out loud. It was true that we’d be stuck in the car for three days, after all.
"Sigh, I guess we’d better get to work."
"Where do you think the projected point of engagement will be?"
And so, we set ourselves to the task of drafting the operational plan. Work never seems to get any easier, does it? Even in the military, paperwork is just a fact of life. I suppose the world is a difficult place for everyone, regardless of where you are.