Chapter 299: The Start of the Froze Battle
The land battleship Jotun.
Although it was severely damaged during the assault on the Holy Capital of the Prava Divine Nation, it was quickly replenished due to the established mass production system of this colossal weapon.
With a total length of 176 meters, a width of 62 meters, and a height of 69 meters (the main body stands 32 meters above ground), it is a formidable presence. Equipped with three Nuclear Fusion Reactors, it possesses the capability to independently supply microwave energy to surrounding units.
Its armament consists of six Multi-stage Electromagnetic Projection Cannons (Coil Cannons) with six barrels, sixteen Electromagnetic Acceleration Cannons (Railguns) with sixteen barrels, forty Small Turrets, twenty Vertical Launch Systems, and two Catapults as its base configuration.
The carrying capacity is vast, befitting its massive size. It can sustain full bombardment for over an hour. Of course, this is made possible by the use of electromagnetic artillery that does not require propellant.
For this operation, dubbed “Walking the Dog,” four Jotun ships, along with numerous Quadrupedal Tanks and Multi-legged Tanks, have been deployed. Far in the rear, the Gigantia Unit is circling, and on the ground, platforms for launching Anti-Magic Barrier Missiles are also being set up.
It is undeniable that this is the most elite force currently available around the Prava Divine Nation. However, the possibility of these forces being decimated has been taken into account, and the latest equipment is currently en route.
“Commence troop movement.”
“Groups A through D have begun their advance.”
“Effective range is 5 kilometers.”
“Expected arrival in 8 minutes.”
“…All Jotun, switch the Power Reactor mode to combat status. Internal temperature and pressure are rising…”
Akane, Ichigo, Utsugi, Erika, and Olive are once again the operator personnel for the situation report. Eve prefers this kind of scenario, which is why they are providing verbal updates. Of course, it also serves as training for the Brain Unit.
In the footage, the Jotun and the surrounding Multi-legged Tanks began to move. Each Jotun is assigned 300 Quadrupedal Tanks and 100 Multi-legged Tanks. In total, 1,600 multi-legged machines are on the move.
The Jotun can clear minor obstacles with its sheer momentum. Low shrubs scattered across the grassland are crushed, and the path is cleared for the multi-legged machines to pass.
“What an impressive sight.”
Gentle hills and forests are lifted and crushed under the immense mass, kicking up clouds of dust as they are cleared. In fact, there were instances where Jotun were used for land development. Currently, however, there is no pressing need to expand farmland due to the sparse population, so their use has been limited.
“The lead Jotun B has acquired the target Froze within effective range.”
“Once all Jotun reach effective range, we will commence a simultaneous bombardment.”
The four Jotun slightly adjust their course to bring the target Froze into the firing arc of all main cannons, which are positioned along the central line of the hull.
“Target acquired within effective range.”
“All Jotun have transitioned to firing posture.”
“…All turrets stable. Linking reconnaissance aircraft data. Ballistic calculations complete… Firing all units…”
The formation of the four ships is a Single Column Formation. The designated battlefield is characterized by few forests or mountains, with plenty of grasslands and low shrubs. Surrounding the Jotun, the multi-legged machines swarm like a mass organism.
“Three, two, one, now.”
The Froze, a Fenrir casually patrolling its territory, suddenly found itself under attack from 24 Multi-stage Electromagnetic Projection Cannons (Coil Cannons) unleashing metal shells. With an initial velocity of 8,000 m/s, the shells would reach their target in approximately five seconds.
“Impact confirmed.”
Though it was a telescopic view, the moment was captured in ultra-high resolution and high speed.
As the protective coating vaporized due to aerodynamic heating, the 24 shells surged toward the Froze with a slight time delay.
The moment the shells struck, a shimmering barrier enveloped the surface of the Froze. A magical barrier.
The first few shells failed to breach the magical barrier, shattering into fragments. The impact from the initial strikes destabilized the Froze, causing subsequent shells to miss their mark, glancing off or sliding away without any effective hits recorded.
“Oh dear… It seems a bit too small after all. With so many cannons, this kind of thing can happen, right?”
Ultimately, the surrounding ground was dramatically blown away by the shells, creating a massive cloud of dust. The final assessment was that there were no effective attacks. The Froze was completely obscured.
“Searching for the target…”
“Where could it be… Found it!”
Breaking through the wall of dust, the Froze emerged. Immediate video analysis showed no signs of injury. It appeared that a few shells had struck it, but they were not effective attacks. However, its mobility had been measured to some extent.
“…Recalculating trajectory… Complete. Firing again…”
The Multi-stage Electromagnetic Projection Cannons (Coil Cannons) unleashed another barrage of shells.
Seconds passed as the shells pierced toward the Froze—
“Target confirmed to be evading.”
The ground erupted in explosions. The surface, unable to withstand the Froze‘s weight, shattered under the force of the shockwave.
The Froze evaded all the shells. Despite being caught off guard by the initial attack, it immediately visually tracked the next barrage and moved its massive body at supersonic speed to evade.
The shells flew at speeds far exceeding the speed of sound. Thus, they could not be heard, and unless visually tracked, one would be unaware of their approach. The Froze visually identified the shells and executed a lateral dodge.
At the height of the Froze, the horizontal distance was approximately 17 kilometers. The effective range had been set at 20 kilometers, allowing it to spot the shells flying in from the horizon, recognize their trajectories, and perform evasive maneuvers. This was not a reaction speed achievable by normal creatures; it defied the laws of physics.
“We have lost sight of the target again.”
The shells that struck the ground generated another massive cloud of dust, enveloping the area like a volcanic eruption.
“Wait, it can evade shells!? That’s impossible!!”
“It seems we need to fire at close range.”
The Froze, or rather the Fenrir as a Threat Creature, may not be as large as previous Threat Creatures, but its current threat level is assessed to be significantly high. In fact, its lighter weight allows for more agile movements. If long-range bombardment proves ineffective, close-quarters combat will be necessary. This realization poses a considerable threat.
“The Jotun has increased speed. Iris has opted for close-range combat.”
“It looks like they’re going to use laser attacks!”
“The Quadrupedal Tanks and Multi-legged Tanks are joining in too!”
Maintaining the Single Column Formation, the Jotun took the shortest route toward the Froze. This approach allows them to hide the movements of the following units by confronting the target head-on. However, only the lead turrets can be used for attacks, necessitating a turn to engage.
“Target re-identified. Low-power radar has been selected. Jotun A is using limited fire control radar.”
To execute precise shots, the Jotun began using the radar that had been previously restricted. Since this is ground-based radar, it should not provoke distant Wyverns. As a precaution, they have also reduced the overall output.
However, the activation of the radar triggered a response from the Froze. Though anticipated, it seems it can detect electromagnetic waves.
“Froze detected and locked on. It appears the Froze has spotted the Jotun and is beginning to move.”
The Froze burst through the dust cloud, charging toward the Jotun. It was fast. The Doppler radar accurately measured its speed.
“It exceeded 200 km/h!”
“It seems to be accelerating even more!”
The Froze charged forward, its legs digging into the earth and sending debris flying as it sprinted. The distance between them closed in an instant.
“…Jotun A and C veer right. B and D veer left. Securing firing arcs…”
Iris immediately took control of the Jotun‘s movements, positioning them sideways to face the Froze and preparing the laser turrets. The accompanying multi-legged machines also aimed their laser cannons at the Froze. The targeting direction was entirely managed by the control system of Jotun A.
“Trajectory calculations complete. Turret control complete. Commencing firing.”
In that moment, the Froze was enveloped in a brilliant white light.
I never expected to see a Single Column Formation on land…
By the way, considering the formations of the Multi-legged Tanks, it feels like there are four Circular Formations lined up vertically.