Chapter 204: The Western Defense Battle
The three pioneer villages guarded by the Paraiso are as follows:
To the west, closest to the Afrasia United Kingdom, lies the Third Pioneer Village, Edlan. On the opposite side is the First Pioneer Village, Ralan. And situated in the center, at the northernmost point, is the Second Pioneer Village, Clavine.
The frequency of monster appearances is highest in the east. The west, being near the vast wilderness of the Afrasia United Kingdom, has fewer monsters inhabiting the area.
Currently, a horde of monsters was approaching the First Pioneer Village, Ralan, and the Second Pioneer Village, Clavine.
From Ralan, the first sighting was of the Shadow Player. This monster resembles a mantis, measuring about one meter in length.
Then there is its larger counterpart, the Hidden Player. Exceeding fifteen meters in length, it typically blends into the forest, remaining motionless and camouflaged to the point where hunters walking beneath it remain oblivious, hence its name.
At this size, humans are treated as mere snacks, and they do not actively hunt humans. However, tales of villages and towns destroyed by these colossal mantises have been passed down through the ages, and those who are unfortunate may find themselves in the monster’s hunting grounds.
“We have confirmed the presence of two types: the Shadow Player and the Hidden Player. The total number is unknown. Since the Hidden Player was observed preying on Soul Butterflies, it is unlikely to come our way immediately.”
“Understood. For the time being, the Shadow Players pose the immediate threat. Will the hunters cooperate?”
“Yes. Almost all of them have headed towards the gate. With the bows and arrows you have provided, their morale is high.”
“We will also assume a state of readiness. A, B, and C, prepare for combat. All weapons free. Act according to your judgment.”
The commanding unit of the A (Alpha) squad stationed in the First Pioneer Village, Dsecta Cosmos, issued commands to the three teams. Simultaneously, he recalled the Multi-legged Tank team that had been dispatched to recover the Big Moss. The Multi-legged Tanks were unarmed, making their deployment to the front lines dangerous.
The A (Alpha) and B (Beta) units, already in standby, began to lift their massive forms, while the A (Alpha) C (Gamma) unit, which had been positioned further back with the caravan, also readied for battle.
The three Multi-legged Tanks stationed in Ralan transitioned into a state of readiness.
“Target sighted.”
“Yes, the hunters should begin their attacks soon.”
The Shadow Players approaching the village were numerous. Some descended to conceal themselves within the forest, while others leaped back into the sky.
Overall, they seemed to be alternating between resting their wings and moving.
Hunters perched on branches and atop the gate drew their bows taut. With a crack, arrows were released.
“We will fire as well.”
A (Alpha), B (Beta), and C (Gamma) selected their targets, ensuring they did not overlap with the hunters’ targets.
They chose their weapon: the Anti-air Laser Gun.
Light flickered. A powerful beam of laser light seared through the torso of a Shadow Player. As the high temperature scorched its exterior, smoke billowed from its charred body, and the moisture within rapidly vaporized, causing its weakened exterior to explode outward.
The Shadow Player, its insides incinerated, plummeted to the ground in agony.
The arrows released by the hunters struck the Shadow Players one after another. While they wouldn’t result in instant death unless they hit the nerve clusters or head, they effectively halted further incursions. If their insides were damaged, they could no longer maintain flight.
One by one, the Shadow Players were shot down by the combined attacks of the hunters and the Multi-legged Tanks.
“The sheer number of Shadow Players is indeed abnormal… While they are known to move in conjunction with Hidden Players, it is unusual for this many to be on the move together.”
The defense officer grimaced as he observed the battlefield. It was no exaggeration to say they resembled a cloud; there were certainly over fifty of them. Moreover, there was still a sense of more approaching from behind.
“We may run out of hands.”
The Multi-legged Tanks were currently using their Anti-air Laser Guns to attack. While they could fire without concern for ammunition, their instantaneous firepower was low, and the rate of downing enemies was not particularly high.
The laser guns worked by heating the target to high temperatures. Therefore, it was necessary to focus the laser light on the same spot multiple times or for a relatively long duration to achieve destruction.
This operational method differed significantly from that of conventional artillery.
“The Multi-legged Tank team is returning. Let’s have our personnel switch to attack roles.”
The Communicator Androids gathered around the cargo unit where they were stationed, retrieving the largest firearms and specialized equipment they could use.
These weapons were Anti-material Sniper Rifles.
These large guns had the maximum range that a Communicator Android could operate independently. While they could not compete with shoulder-fired missiles, they were undoubtedly among the strongest in the category of guns and artillery.
Equipped with specialized protectors, the girls hoisted the rifles onto their shoulders and climbed atop the waiting Multi-legged Tanks. It was difficult to hold and operate such large guns by hand, so they secured the bipods to the tanks’ backs and lay prone.
“Commence individual attacks.”
“This is quite… reassuring, yet…”
Of the twenty-three Communicator Androids dispatched, ten joined the attack. The heavy gunfire echoed as 15mm projectiles accurately shattered the heads of the Shadow Players.
“We have suppressed the Shadow Players. The problem is…”
“The Hidden Player is approaching. There are few combat records, so most of what we know is hearsay, but it is said to possess a Magic Barrier. Can we counter it?”
“The Magic Barrier. It’s the glowing shield that some monsters deploy to nullify attacks.”
“Exactly. It can almost completely block attacks that do not carry magic power, and it has high resistance to attributes other than penetration. Your attacks do not carry magic power. If we can somehow concentrate our hunters’ attacks, perhaps…”
“Excuse me! Urgent report!”
A messenger burst into the command center where Dsecta Cosmos, the defense officer, and other advisors were discussing the interception operation.
“What is it?”
“From the watchtower, urgent news! A sighting at the farthest point, with debris from trees and clouds of dust! There is a possibility that a Mountain Boar or a similar giant creature is approaching! Over!”
“Wha… a Mountain Boar!?”
In the Second Pioneer Village, Clavine, a horde of monsters was also closing in.
“We have received a report from the hunters we sent out for reconnaissance. They heard multiple monster roars. It is likely that a group of Massive Arms is heading this way.”
At the defense officer’s words, Gracilis Cosmos tilted her head in confusion.
“Hmm… Massive Arms?”
“Yes. They are monkey monsters with abnormally developed arms, standing at least two heads taller than us. Their immense strength is troublesome, but the real issue is their long-range attacks. They throw rocks and branches while hiding among the trees.”
“…”
The Multi-legged Tanks’ composite sensors were monitoring the situation at the front line. The heat source sensors flickered, capturing the shadows of scouts, but nothing else was detected.
They might be out of range, or perhaps they were undetectable by the heat source sensors.
Suddenly, a loud crash echoed as something collided with the village gate.
“Whoa!”
The lookout hunter peered down in alarm. A large gash had appeared on the gate.
“This is…”
“It seems the Massive Arms have begun their throwing attacks. …Enemy attack! Enemy attack! All personnel, be wary of incoming projectiles! Lookouts, use the arrow slots; you will be targeted!”
It was as if they had been waiting for that shout, for immediately after, multiple rocks came crashing down in a parabolic arc. They were about the size of a child’s head.
“—!!”
The Multi-legged Tanks reacted.
The main cannon’s coaxial Gatling gun whirred to life, and with a booming sound, it unleashed a barrage of bullets, shattering the rocks.
“Intercept successful. However, the cost is high. Were those just rocks?”
“…That should be the case. My, what an impressive response…”
The cannon, which had been facing forward, instantly adjusted its aim and intercepted the incoming projectiles from above. The fact that they could handle it with such precision likely stemmed from their ability to wield bows.
“All Multi-legged Tanks, prepare for attack.”
While they could not detect heat sources, they confirmed some traces through sound wave detection. The target was presumed to possess excellent heat insulation. While they could not detect it through infrared or visible light, they could estimate its position using sound waves.
“Can we counter the Massive Arms individually?”
“Yes. Their arms seem quite tough, but aside from that, they are no harder than ordinary animals, and the hunters’ bows can certainly pierce them. However, it is necessary to aim for the gaps between their arms, making them troublesome monsters indeed.”
“I see.”
And so, additional Communicator Androids equipped with Assault Rifles joined the front lines.