第１３５８堀：現地到着 (Part2)
With Steve’s declaration, we transition into the third phase.
The third phase involves moving into the fortress.
While maintaining defenses at key points, the remaining units begin their advance into the interior.
The waiting vehicles roll into the fortress one after another, taking up their designated positions to establish a defensive perimeter.
I check the fortress map to confirm the deployment.
Everything seems to be in order.
The tanks were designed to be driven up and utilized as fixed artillery emplacements, and it appears they are holding up well.
It would be truly tragic if the structure collapsed the moment a tank rolled onto it.
Next, we begin placing the auto-turrets—mechanically controlled guns.
It is impossible for a mere hundred people to cover this entire fortress, so this is a necessary precaution.
"This is the observation post. We have confirmed the enemy army. They seem to have spotted us as well, and are clearly advancing with us as their target."
Oh, ho. It seems that from the height of the fortress, they were able to spot the enemy twenty kilometers out.
The enemy must have spotted us from the same distance, and it looks like they’ve locked onto us as their objective.
"Is this according to plan?"
"Right on schedule."
We move into the fortress alongside the armored vehicles, checking the map as we head toward the command post.
My subordinates are bustling back and forth inside the fortress.
There is still the matter of organizing supplies, after all.
At the command post, the operators have already begun their preparations.
"Any issues with the equipment?"
"None. We’ll be ready in ten minutes."
"Twenty minutes until the wired connection for turret control is complete. Currently operating via remote magical link."
"Tank controls have been transferred here. All units are green. Wired integration will take another twenty minutes."
Reports continue to pour in from all sectors.
Everything seems to be running smoothly, and Steve turns his gaze toward me.
I nod to indicate that there are no problems, and then...
"Transitioning to the fourth phase."
"Understood. Transitioning to the fourth phase. Repeating: transitioning to the fourth phase."
We leave the command post, head to the courtyard, and descend into the underground levels.
The fourth phase is the preparation of the fortress’s interior.
This includes bringing in the reinforcements.
"To Headquarters. We are now beginning the fourth phase. Are you ready?"
"Yes. We are standing by. We are ready at any time."
"Understood. We are beginning the gate installation now."
The underground area is as vast as the fortress itself, feeling unnecessarily spacious.
Well, I suppose it’s necessary given that we’re planning to bring in a massive army.
Incidentally, the living quarters are located even further below.
Everything above ground is dedicated solely to combat.
In the worst-case scenario, we could even blow up the upper fortress as a self-destruct measure.
Since this is a dungeon, it’s only natural that the real heart of it lies underground.
"Gate installation complete. Activating gate. What is the status of the connection?"
"This is Headquarters. Connection confirmed. Beginning tests."
No sooner had the reply come from Headquarters than a bowling ball came rolling out of the gate.
A waiting subordinate spoke up.
"Object passage confirmed. We will now verify passage from our side."
"Understood."
Hearing the reply, I roll a volleyball through the gate.
"Passage from your side confirmed. No abnormalities in the material. We will now begin sending reinforcements."
"Understood. Please proceed."
Then, the monster units from Weed begin to pour through.
They gather at the designated locations in the spacious underground area and begin their operations after checking in with the command post.
And once the monster units have finished entering...
"My, you look busy, Steve."
"I have been expecting you, General Agil. And everyone else."
Steve offers a polite salute as he begins to welcome the Intercontinental Alliance Army.
"You're so stiff~"
"Indeed."
"Now, now, ladies, you are representing your respective nations this time."
"He's right. Try to take it a bit more seriously."
"I did tell them that, but..."
"Agil said that sort of thing isn't necessary..."
Jessica and Stasia, who are acting as support, offer wry smiles.
Well, I suppose that’s just like them, isn't it?
We managed to make it just in time to begin building our base.
Steve and Surakichi-san begin their operations on-site.