第１３８５堀：敵軍攻略作戦会議 (Part2)
Lately, the burden has eased somewhat thanks to my apprentice, Firia, and Narjia, who specializes in magical tool crafting.
"Ah, I remember that. There was a proposal to turn this shield into a mobile artillery piece."
It seems Difes had also been subjected to one of Narjia’s "magical overhauls." She likely conceived it as a way to strike at enemies while remaining safely behind a guard. I recall her searching for a way to turn it into something akin to a pillbox. Her capacity to actually realize such wild ideas remains as terrifying as ever.
As we were discussing this, Stasia returned.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. As planned, we will be moving with the assault squad, prioritizing defense and support to secure the enemy's main camp."
"Mm. Understood."
"Well, that is only natural."
Our target was exactly as expected. While we are here as representatives of the alliance, that is no mere decoration. Whether as Yuki’s wives or as individuals like Menou and Shou, we are far more than just messengers. This is also an opportunity to show the world that we are all formidable combatants in our own right. To prove that they shouldn't underestimate us just because we are women.
Even now, in the If Continent and here in the Logari Continent, there are still those who view female envoys as a sign that the opposition is looking down on them. This is a chance to correct that perception, even if only by a little. It is also for those who dismiss Weed as a nation run by women. Yuki has always reminded us of this. That is the intent behind our selection for this mission.
Therefore, we will hold nothing back.
"Alright. Let’s go."
"Yeah."
"Indeed. We have to land a hit on that general, after all."
"Um, Lilishe-sama, please make sure to hold back a little."
With such words, we joined up with the assault squad. There was no need for a detailed strategy meeting.
"We will proceed as discussed: we’ll neutralize the enemy using offensive magic and long-range attacks from within the defensive perimeter, then move to suppress the main camp."
"Leave it to me. It’s been a while since I’ve been on the front lines. Besides, there’s nothing quite like trampling the enemy with overwhelming firepower, is there?"
"Don't let your guard down, Menou. That said, I understand the sentiment. With our defense secured, the situation couldn't be better."
Menou and Shou seem eager to put the results of their training in Weed to the test—or perhaps they are just looking forward to the experience. Their usual training partners are powerhouses like us or Rurua, so it’s hard to tell if their skills will translate to the average soldier. That is why confirming their effectiveness in actual combat is a good thing. Though, as Shou said, we cannot afford to be careless.
"I’ll prioritize incapacitating them with lightning. I’ll leave the water dispersal to you, Kaya."
"Yes, leave it to me. Kagura."
It seems Kagura and Kaya are coordinating to pin the enemy down. A combo of lightning and water is brutal. It guarantees electrocution. If they aren't careful, they could kill them outright, but I’m sure they’ll adjust accordingly. That level of control is what makes Kagura so impressive; she can adjust voltage just like she does when operating her own appliances. If I tried that, I’d just end up breaking everything. Still, I want to learn it someday. Charging batteries at home and hauling them around is surprisingly tedious.
"Ria, please prioritize taking down the most dangerous targets. Be mindful of the force of your sword pressure."
"Ah, right. I think I’ll be okay..."
Ria sounds somewhat unconfident. That’s understandable; she usually trains with combat maniacs like Deryu or Seraria, where there is no time to hold back. Well, not that there isn't a way to hold back, I suppose.
"Deryu, you’ll act as a vanguard, following up wherever we’re at a disadvantage."
"Hmph. Leave it to me."
As for Deryu, there is no need for concern. She has already sprinted through the battlefield many times, and her fists and martial arts are beyond reproach. She is the strongest in Weed—excluding Surakichi-san and Steve’s group, of course. Since we cannot use the power of the monsters this time, Deryu is the strongest. Yes, no problems there.
"Also, Kirika’s subordinates are under Eigil’s command, so they are not under our direct control. Please keep that in mind."
It seems the intelligence division under Kirika will be operating directly under Eigil. That seems appropriate. Just as I was thinking that...
*“Is the meeting over? We’ve finished deploying the entire army on this side as well. Can you move to your designated positions?”*
"Yes."
"We are ready."
It seems the order to sortie is about to be given. Mm. I need to steel myself. Envoys cutting into the enemy’s main camp. That’s not something you see every day.