第１３８６堀：開戦 (Part1)
Chapter 1386: The Opening of Hostilities
Opening of Hostilities
Side: Agil
"What is the status of the full-scale deployment?"
"It’s already complete, sir. All that’s left is for the envoys—the Master’s wives—to move to the front."
"Understood. The intelligence unit confirms the same."
I use the call screen to verify the positioning. As reported, once Jessica, Stasia, and the others step forward, the formation will be locked in. Still...
"Sending envoys to the front line, huh..."
Normally, this would be unthinkable. If they were to fall in battle, post-war negotiations would become impossible. It is an unspoken rule in warfare that both sides keep such envoys out of harm’s way and refrain from targeting them. Otherwise, the conflict would inevitably devolve into a quagmire. Well, sometimes one might intentionally aim for such a quagmire, but it’s not standard practice.
"It can't be helped, sir. They are our highest-tier combatants right now."
"If we want to minimize casualties, we need the strength of the wives and their companions."
"I know. Even so, they are dear friends of mine. We all loved the same man, after all."
Leaving such friends on the front line while I command from the rear—I trust them, but it still weighs heavily on my heart. I can easily imagine that Yuki feels even worse about this. Nevertheless, someone has to do it. One shouldn't get used to this, but if we don't act, these things will continue to happen. I have to believe this will be the last time and see it through. Ah, being a commander really is a thankless role.
As I ponder this, the envoy unit takes its position. All that remains is to give the order.
"Alright, bring up the megaphone."
"Understood."
"We will provide support for the units and keep a close watch on the town."
The intelligence unit is already embedded within the town and providing cover for other squads, prepared for any contingency. We must prevent the enemy from becoming desperate and dragging the town into the crossfire. If we allowed such a thing, the Alliance’s reputation would suffer.
And finally—no, first—there is something that must be done. I connect to the microphone linked to the megaphone provided by Steve’s subordinates and issue a warning to the enemy.
"To the Kinauf Kingdom army illegally occupying the eastern town of Suacania in the Suls territory: You are currently engaged in an act of aggression. If you refuse our order to withdraw, we will proceed with your removal in accordance with the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance treaty, and your nation will be held accountable. Given our previous discussions, we will not grant much time for a response. Raise a white flag and disarm immediately. If you do not, we will commence the attack."
This is to prove that we, the Alliance, have followed proper procedure. Naturally, it is being recorded. We intend to broadcast this not just to the Alliance, but to the entire world later. They say that in Yuki’s world, Earth, even such records are forged, but the current technology in this world isn't capable of such fabrication, ensuring the reliability of this source. Well, eventually, as technology catches up, such editing will become possible, but until then, I will make full use of it.
Furthermore, Mikos is embedded at the front line as a public relations officer. Censorship will be necessary, of course, but a report written from Mikos’s perspective on this battle will surely draw eyes. The enemy may have their own reasons for this invasion, but Weed does not intend to lose the information war.
Now, it would be easiest if they just raised the white flag.
...But it wouldn't be that simple. The five-minute timer expires, and the alarm rings out. Looking at them, it’s clear they didn't fail to respond due to a lack of time; they simply underestimated our strength and are itching for a fight.
I take the microphone once more.
"I have received the Kinauf Kingdom army’s decision. Then, as declared, we will commence the attack."
Normally, the standard procedure would be for infantry to advance, archers to provide suppression, cavalry to charge, and the infantry to swarm in. Unfortunately for them, we are Weed. We will attack without hesitation from this distance. Deryu and the others might want to rush in, but they must restrain themselves. We have no intention of wasting our soldiers’ lives with reckless charges.
Now, all that’s left is the order.
"All units, prepare. Five, four, three, two, one... Fire!"
At my signal, long-range magic flies from all directions, impacting the enemy lines. Since we want to minimize unnecessary damage to the enemy, I have ordered everyone—except for the wives and their companions in the center—to use a specific combination of attack magic. The results will be immediately visible. After all, everyone except the center is using the exact same sequence: a massive flood, followed by a lightning strike, and finally, a deep freeze.
It is an impossible attack under normal circumstances—a feat only nature could perform. But it is a ridiculous technique that only we can pull off. Well, even if it requires some preparation, it would be trivial for someone from Earth. Just douse them in water, electrocute them, and freeze them solid. It’s simple, but because it’s simple, it achieves maximum effect.
A single volley. That alone leaves the enemy lines shrouded in a mist born from the extreme temperature difference.
"Um, Agil? Are you there?"
"Is there a problem?"
Instead of a report on the enemy’s status, I receive a call from Jessica.
"No, I thought we would wait until the other units finished their attacks before moving on the remaining sectors..."
"The plan was for the center to lead the attack, wasn't it? It’s a problem if you start taking over other sectors. Just because you have the power doesn't mean you should steal the work."
"I understand that. That’s not what I wanted to say. The effect is so high that it’s affecting the center as well."
"Hm? What do you mean?"
"Check the data from the drones."
"No, the information analysis team is..."
As I start to say that, a message comes in from the analysis team.
"This is the battlefield observation unit. Following the first magical bombardment, we have confirmed that out of 3,122 enemy combatants, 2,983 have been frozen."
"Oh, there are more of them than I thought."
Even with the water as a primer, I didn't think we could freeze them solid—or at least, freeze them to the point of total incapacitation—so easily. The effect is unexpectedly devastating.
"Of the remaining 139, 92 have been successfully paralyzed by the electric discharge. The remaining 47 are the generals in the center. Please secure them immediately. If they regain their composure, they will surely attempt to flee."