第１３６１堀：淡々と (Part2)
"I suppose you're right. We'll have to consider digging deeper or installing soundproofing materials."
"It's not like we can't hold a conversation, so isn't this fine as it is? If we block off magical and radio communications entirely, we wouldn't be able to gather any information at all."
Agil-neesan has a point there.
It wouldn't do to have a place where all information is completely cut off.
Still, considering the safety aspect, it feels a bit careless.
It’s a tricky balance.
I’ll need to consult with the Boss about this.
"First wave of attacks complete. Confirming battle results."
The operator's voice makes me realize the thunder of the bombardment has ceased.
The footage from the drones and familiars circling overhead is obscured by a thick shroud of smoke, making it difficult to discern anything.
Thanks to the magical detection equipment, while I can't identify the species of the enemies on the map, I can certainly count them.
"Of the 4,000 in the vanguard, all but 142 have been annihilated. Of the 3,000 in the rearguard, 21 remain. We have confirmed the destruction of the high-priority target: the supplies."
As planned, we’ve successfully decimated them by targeting the front and back.
"The remaining central army has halted its advance. They appear to be attempting to grasp the situation. I judge the first wave of the operation a success. I propose initiating the second wave."
"I accept the proposal. Begin the second wave."
"Understood. Initiating second wave."
Following that response, the roar of artillery and the rhythmic tremors of the ground resume.
"To think there are survivors... how could anyone live through that bombardment?"
"Likely, their comrades accidentally served as shields. Though, whether they are in one piece is another matter entirely."
"I see. A matter of chance, then. Is it normal for these numbers to remain?"
"Well, we’ve never really quantified the survival rate of enemy troops after taking mortar fire, have we?"
"Come to think of it, when we dealt with the Melt sisters, they were still alive after we fired on them, weren't they?"
Ah, I suppose that did happen...
Still, we did attack them, but we held back to a certain degree.
I wonder if it’s appropriate to compare the two situations.
"Second wave complete. Confirming battle results."
Just like the first time, we check the results via monitors and magical sensing.
I’m thinking that since we followed up before the dust from the previous bombardment could settle, it must be even harder to confirm, when suddenly, a gust of wind clears the smoke.
Ah, I see. They used magic to clear the air and secure visibility.
"Reporting. Regarding the main enemy force we attacked: 42 survivors. We have confirmed the survival of the Lich, who appears to be the commander, as well as the various monsters who seem to be the leaders of their respective races, all still standing."
"..."
Everyone is silent, eyes wide with shock.
Well, we’re just as surprised as they are.
In the meantime, the aerial footage from the drones and familiars zooms in on the enemy center.
There, the Lich and its cohorts look battered and torn.
They survived, but only by the skin of their teeth.
"The enemy's survival zone is centered around the Lich, suggesting they erected some form of barrier. I would like to proceed with an effect-fire mission. Your orders?"
I see. They must have reacted instantly to the first and second waves by deploying defenses.
That is what barely kept them alive.
...However.
"Permission granted. But before that, Surakichi-san, turn the ground beneath them into a dungeon and seal off their escape routes."
"Understood. ...Alright, done. Data extraction is complete as well."
"Initiate the third wave."
"Understood. Initiating third wave. Effect-fire on all designated coordinates."
They have merely extended their time among the living.
Following that, just like before—or rather, with even more certainty of delivering the final blow—a rain of shells pours down upon them.
The operation is proceeding smoothly.
Though, that in itself is almost cause for concern.
Things in this world rarely ever go quite this well.