Chapter 201: Western Defense Line
“Target confirmed. Transition to interception mode.”
Roger. Interception mode activated. Target visual confirmed. Locking on.
“Confirmation complete. All green. Begin interception as soon as the target is within range.”
Roger.
The multi-legged tank lowered its stance, aligning its targeting line with the massive form of the Big Moss. The barrel of the railgun adjusted minutely, honing in on the centerline of the creature’s erratic flapping.
Target within range. Fire!
A thunderous roar erupted.
Accelerated beyond the speed of sound by the Lorentz Force, the shell sliced through the air, tearing apart the atmospheric barrier.
Continuing with the second shot. Fire!
Two flechette warheads struck true, targeting the torso and head of the Big Moss, obliterating their intended points. With vital organs punctured, the Big Moss ceased its life functions and plummeted to the ground.
“Confirmed kill. Dispatch recovery team D.”
The downed Big Moss was to be retrieved by the multi-legged machinery unit.
The Big Moss was a valuable resource. While the costs of war were substantial, the potential returns were a silver lining amidst the misfortune.
“Is this the milestone of our hundredth kill…? No, I apologize. This truly helps us.”
“Don’t mention it. It’s our job.”
In response to the defense officer’s words of gratitude, Bipinatas Cosmos nodded impassively.
“However, the numbers have surged all at once. I wonder how long this will continue…”
Currently, Team Gamma, led by Bipinatas, was stationed at the westernmost village, the closest point to the Afrasia United Kingdom within their assigned region.
“Incoming report from the recovery team. Team C. Officer Reiliata, the cargo has arrived.”
“Understood. We’re running out of storage space soon…”
“The structural integrity is sufficiently high. It may be wise to stack them.”
“Indeed. Normally, that would be unthinkable, but given the circumstances…”
With a range of 800 TAN (approximately 1,200 to 1,300 meters), all Big Moss—known as Soul Butterflies—intruding into this defensive perimeter had been shot down by the multi-legged tanks.
This Golem, covered in white armor and composed of smooth, organic curves, initially evoked unease, but had since become the guardian deity of the pioneering village.
Naturally, the girls with beast ears and tails controlling it were also immensely popular.
Report. Continuous firing count has exceeded the established limit.
“Roger. As planned, we will conduct a barrel replacement. MLT-E-04 (Hopper) C (Gamma) – A, advance to the designated position. C (Gamma) – B (Beta), maintain alert status.”
Beta, understood.
Alpha, understood.
Currently, the frequency of Big Moss incursions necessitated over ten shots per hour.
With each firing, the surface of the railgun barrel became plasmaized, gradually wearing down. As the barrel wore, accuracy diminished, heat dissipation decreased, and electrical resistance increased, leading to a rapid decline in performance.
Even with a significant safety margin, the need for barrel replacements had become a daily occurrence. This was the sole drawback of the high-power, low-cost railgun.
“Today marks the second replacement…”
“The number of intruding individuals is increasing. It can’t be helped. We still have spare parts, so rest assured.”
The C (Gamma) – A team, waiting for their shift, moved to the position held by C (Gamma) – B (Beta).
The base was set up at the highest point in the pioneering village to secure visibility and firing lines. Though the rocky terrain was unstable, the multi-legged tank stood firm, anchoring itself to the earth with its six legs.
Alpha has arrived at the designated position. Data received, takeover complete.
“Roger. C (Gamma) – B (Beta), begin withdrawal.”
Beta, understood. Stand down. Commencing withdrawal.
Team Gamma was currently operating with two multi-legged tanks (Hoppers). Accompanying them were eight Communicator Androids, functioning as a single unit. Additionally, five multi-legged machines were designated for the retrieval of the downed Big Moss. Teams Alpha and Beta, dispatched to other pioneering villages, maintained the same structure.
Originally, the plan was to alternate the multi-legged tanks every other day while conducting defense, but the increasing incursions of Big Moss forced them into near-constant operation.
An additional multi-legged tank was scheduled to be dispatched the following day. Although the deployment of forces was limited, the current assault situation had permitted additional requests.
However, it was some high-ranking officials in the central command who had been reluctant to grant permission, while those on the ground were eager for reinforcements…
“Bipinatas, you should take a break soon. Meals are being prepared at the gathering hall.”
“You’re right. I will do just that. Alpha, I am going on break. You are authorized to engage any hostile entities that breach the defense perimeter. Execute interception at your discretion.”
Roger. Command authority transfer confirmed. Thank you for your hard work.
Bipinatas Cosmos removed his head-mounted display and shook his head lightly. His previously neat hair cascaded down, and his floppy ears drooped.
“Could you guide me?”
“Of course. Right this way.”
A caravan laden with support supplies traversed the cleared forest path. At the forefront was a multi-legged tank, followed by two multi-wheeled tanks. Behind them, four multi-wheeled transport vehicles followed in a protective formation. The rear was secured by one multi-legged tank and three multi-wheeled tanks.
However, one of the multi-legged tanks had folded one of its six legs against its body, maintaining speed but moving somewhat awkwardly.
“We are on schedule to arrive at the campsite. We will be replacing faulty parts, so I apologize, but we won’t be able to assist you.”
“Yes, I understand. You needn’t worry about us. We apologize for imposing on you.”
Accompanying the caravan were four individuals from the Forest Country (Lebresta), designated as trade negotiators. In reality, they were more akin to monitors, sent to facilitate matters in the settlements along the route while pretending to oversee trade negotiations. The Council of Elders (Le Elphia) had dispatched them to silence the nagging high-ranking officials in the central command. There was no particular reason to refuse, so they had been traveling with the caravan for the past two weeks.
The group set up camp at a campsite established along the highway.
A multi-legged tank that had suffered a leg malfunction during transit was now stationary for parts (modules) replacement. Due to the numerous moving parts and the significant stress they endured, mechanical failures were relatively common. Thus, each component was modularized for easy replacement.
Once the faulty leg was secured to the replacement frame, the electric locking bolts released. The frame moved, and the massive leg was extracted. This part, over two meters tall and seventy centimeters wide, was far too heavy for a human or even a Communicator Android to lift alone.
“It moves as smoothly as a living creature, yet seeing it like this reminds us that it is indeed a Golem.”
“At its core, it’s not much different from a cart. As long as we can replace the broken parts, it can be operational again in no time.”
As they observed the parts replacement, the negotiators prepared their own chairs and tables. They planned to spend the night at this campsite. This was their third journey along this route, and they were quite accustomed to it. They also prepared meals for the accompanying girls (Communicator Androids).
While Communicator Androids did not require elaborate meals, there was no need to overtly display that fact. In fact, it could easily be misconstrued as mistreatment, so appropriate equipment was provided to ensure a suitable appearance.
As they prepared for the night, the deployed tanks suddenly sprang into action.
A Big Moss had slipped through the defensive net and entered the identification zone. Most of these creatures were drawn to the three pioneering villages with hot spots, but occasionally, a stray individual would appear.
Most of these strays were dispatched by the moving caravan. The western region of the Forest Country (Lebresta) was nearly perfectly defended thanks to the efforts of the Paraiso dispatched forces.
Meanwhile, the northern and eastern regions appeared to be largely abandoned. They were gradually retreating their front lines while consolidating their forces.
The further they retreated, the denser their forces became, making defense easier. After a certain point, they planned to take refuge in a larger city, eliminate the swarm of Big Moss, and then launch a counteroffensive. This seemed to be the basic strategy for the northern and eastern fronts. By extracting most of the forces from the western front and deploying them to the north and east, they managed to keep the retreat distance considerably short.
The Stampede Defense Battle in Lebresta was reaching its climax.