第１３５９堀：戦いの前の準備 (Part2)
It is not for show; it is a vital precaution, ensuring that if we are captured, our equipment cannot be turned against us.
Yet, Shau and Menou gazed at the bows with keen interest.
"General Steve, how exactly did you enhance their performance?"
"You’re talking about Narjia-san, right? The one who crafts those outrageous weapons? And she made something as simple as this? What kind of abilities does it actually have?"
They were likely asking out of genuine curiosity, but...
"It’s nothing too flashy. If you nock up to five arrows and fire, they’ll automatically track their targets and strike true, with a maximum range of one kilometer."
"..."
"..."
The two of them stood there, eyes wide and blank at Steve’s casual revelation.
For my part, I felt a modicum of relief; I had feared something far more catastrophic. Given that some of her creations are prone to massive explosions, I was glad to know this wouldn't cause collateral damage to our own side.
"Mind you, it’s a handful to use. You have to practice quite a bit to get all five arrows to track their respective targets," Steve added.
"No, wait—the fact that the range is a kilometer is already absurd..."
"Isn't that more impressive than most guns?"
True, a one-kilometer range with auto-tracking is certainly more convenient than a mediocre firearm. Still, it lacks the rate of fire, and at the end of the day, it’s still just an arrow’s piercing power. I suspect guns remain the more practical choice.
"It really depends on the situation. The beauty of a bow is that you can fire in an arc," Steve explained.
"Hold on a moment. If the bow’s range is one kilometer, doesn't that mean we can't initiate an attack from two kilometers out?"
Stasia was right. With these specs, we couldn't engage the enemy at that distance.
"Exactly. It’s just for show. The enemy expects us to see their archers from the ramparts and try to lure them in. If they see a measly fifty of us, they’ll assume they can just crush us, right?"
"I see. So, it’s a decoy unit. I imagine they have their own scouts out as well."
"Oh, right. What about the enemy scouts? And ours?"
"As for our scouts..."
Steve glanced toward an empty corner of the room, and suddenly, a woman materialized out of thin air.
"The Intelligence Division’s anti-army specialist unit is deployed, so please, rest easy. There has been no contact with the enemy scouts. As for their reconnaissance, they are using Goblins led by Goblin Leaders, mounted on Wolves. Our intelligence team is currently engaging them in small skirmishes to draw them toward this fortress."
"Is it really okay to lure them in?" Mikos asked, tilting her head toward the intelligence operative.
"Yes. It is perfectly fine. We intend for them to report that our forces are thin, and we plan to drive them off with a volley of arrows from this position."
I see. So, that is how we intend to bait them into complacency.
"Now, regarding the results of our internal survey of the enemy army: the commander appears to be a Lich."
With that, she laid several photographs on the table. They depicted a skeleton draped in tattered robes.
"Does that mean there is no Dungeon Master among the enemy?"
"It is difficult to say for certain. There is a possibility one is hiding somewhere; we have not examined every single soldier. However, aside from the Lich, there were no monsters of note positioned at the center of their formation. The monsters guarding the perimeter are of a higher tier, though."
The subsequent photos confirmed the presence of higher-tier Goblins, Orcs, Trolls, and Skeletons. It was safe to assume these were the commanders of their respective tribes.
"Then we need to keep a close eye on this Lich’s movements. And tell me, have we been compromised? Is there any chance we’re being played?"
"If we were being played, I cannot say for sure. However, there were no signs of the area being turned into a dungeon, so I judge the possibility to be low. More importantly, the fact that no trouble has occurred here yet is proof enough."
Indeed, if the enemy were to launch a surprise attack now, chaos would be inevitable. Our defensive interception strategy would be in ruins.
"Understood. But do not let your guard down. Continue the mission."
"Understood."
With that, the intelligence operative vanished. Steve, without a moment’s hesitation, turned back to us.
"Right then, we shall continue with the operation. Any other questions?"
And so, we gathered the intelligence we needed before the final showdown. Camouflage is a remarkably effective tool. While it is important to project strength, fortitude, and intimidation as a show of force, concealing one’s true capabilities is equally vital. It is the best way to invite the enemy into a false sense of security.
Oh, and as for Narjia-san, she is a staunch advocate of high-firepower, so she only crafted these bows with the utmost reluctance.