Chapter 274: Grappler
The Quadrupedal Tank was a simplified model designed with the assumption of being disposable, based on the operational achievements of the officially equipped Multilegged Tank MLT-E Series. Various functions had been omitted or replaced with simpler alternatives, resulting in a total weight that was roughly half that of its full-fledged counterpart. This was achieved through thorough lightweight construction in areas where strength was not critical, and by replacing some components with high-strength fibers like Carbon Nanotubes.
Even so, its total weight exceeded 20 tons.
What would happen if such a massive object charged into a hastily constructed log barrier?
Naturally, one would expect it to be no obstacle, and the log barrier to be destroyed—but that was not the case. Wood, particularly in the direction of its fibers, possesses remarkable strength. In terms of weight ratio, it has about twice the compressive strength of iron. If a structure of the same cross-sectional area were to collide, the wood would prevail.
Perhaps due to a miscalculation in the point of impact, the log, with its end worn down, managed to wedge itself into a structurally weak point, causing the Quadrupedal Tank to ride up onto the barrier at its full speed. The log broke under the weight and momentum, but the tank also lost its balance.
The thinly armored underbelly was exposed right before the eyes of the Monk Soldiers hidden behind.
A spear thrust through the armor like paper, piercing vital components within.
“B-18, silenced.”
However, that was as far as it went. There was not just one Quadrupedal Tank. Another one successfully blasted through the log barrier and slammed its legs down onto the hidden Monk Soldiers.
Such scenes unfolded across multiple horse barriers. Some Quadrupedal Tanks were destroyed, while others leveraged their weight and physical strength to literally sweep away the concealed Monk Soldiers.
“Six units incapacitated. Successfully eliminated thirteen enemy monks.”
“…Well, that was within expected losses.”
Fifty Quadrupedal Tanks had charged at twenty Monk Soldiers, resulting in six losses on their side while inflicting damage on thirteen of the enemy, leaving seven remaining. However, these losses were incurred during close combat, providing a clearer picture of the enemy monks’ capabilities.
“The combat abilities of the monks stationed in each town don’t seem to differ much.
Akane’s tension eased slightly. Noticing this, Eve gently patted Akane’s head.
The Quadrupedal Tank group destroyed the four horse barriers and resumed their pursuit of the fleeing Monk Soldiers. Microwaves were received and converted into electrical currents. The current flowed through a transformer, powerfully driving the leg motors.
The Common AI controlling the Quadrupedal Tanks learned the characteristics of the horse barriers. It fed this information back into the network and analyzed the next target. Adjusting the posture at the moment of impact, it allowed the pointed log to slide off the armor. The front legs pierced the base of the barrier, converting the momentum directly into lifting the barrier.
As a result, the log barrier was uprooted in one strike and sent flying into the air, splintering apart.
However, the Monk Soldiers seized the opportunity, thrusting their spears into the front armor of the Quadrupedal Tank.
The front armor, as expected, was the thickest part. Layered armor made of Ultra High Tensile Steel, ceramic, carbon fiber, and resin-based polymers was pierced by the tip of a mere steel spear. This was truly the epitome of Fantasy, yet the front armor was designed to withstand such assaults. Beneath the armor lay multiple internal layers creating a buffer space, meaning that even if penetrated by several centimeters, it would not affect internal functions. While an internal explosion could pose a problem, fortunately, it seemed the enemy lacked such unreasonable capabilities.
Despite having a spear thrust into it, the Quadrupedal Tank utilized its weight to push forward, sweeping away the panicked Monk Soldiers with its legs.
The second collision resulted in minimal damage, incapacitating six out of sixteen Monk Soldiers while allowing ten to escape.
At this point, the Divine Nation made a move. With the Quadrupedal Tanks driving a wedge into their defensive line, they deemed a response necessary.
From the castle walls surrounding the Holy Capital, a single Monk Soldier, likely of High Priest rank, leaped down.
“They’re here.”
This charge was, in a sense, intended to lure out this force. To draw out a powerful individual and assess their combat capabilities. While the priests encountered in several towns were formidable units, they could be eliminated by multiple Multilegged Tanks. But how strong was the High Priest, believed to be even more powerful?
“
The forty-four Quadrupedal Tanks simultaneously halted their advance, forming four teams to adopt a tight formation. If they all clustered together, they risked being wiped out by some area attack, and if they spread too far apart, they could be picked off individually, hence the chosen formation.
The High Priest kicked off the ground. In that instant, he closed the hundreds of meters between them in the blink of an eye, already swinging the sword he held.
With that single strike, the Quadrupedal Tank was completely destroyed. Its internal mechanisms were cleaved in two, rendering it nonfunctional. However, there was no time to leisurely confirm this.
As the approaching High Priest neared, the adjacent tank immediately slammed its legs down, but naturally, that attack was evaded. As if for good measure, the leg was severed, and using it as a foothold, the High Priest leaped diagonally onto the back of the opposing Quadrupedal Tank, cleaving its body in half. The two halves of the Quadrupedal Tank collapsed.
In just eight seconds.
In that brief span, ten Quadrupedal Tanks were all taken down. Such overwhelming combat power, moving with a speed that disregarded the concept of sound, delivering slashes that ignored the length of the sword.
With the group of Quadrupedal Tanks annihilated, the High Priest set his sights on the next prey. Yet, eight seconds was ample time to capture, analyze, and rewrite tactical programs in response to his movements.
The leg motors, with their limiters cut, unleashed torque beyond design limits. As some paint and lubricant evaporated, the Quadrupedal Tanks executed maneuvers that exceeded their limits. The legs positioned to intercept the predicted movement of the High Priest prompted him to reflexively swing his sword. The leg was severed, but the kinetic energy was not entirely negated. Following inertia, the massive weight of over one ton barreled toward the High Priest.
Such an attack was, of course, easily dodged. The High Priest placed a hand on the incoming leg and smoothly evaded. However, the control AI, having anticipated this movement, had concealed another tank’s leg in the blind spot.
The High Priest’s eyes widened in shock as he was struck from an unexpected angle by the steel leg. His sword was not in a position to counter, and having evaded the weighty object, his stance was compromised. Most critically, he was airborne, with nothing around to serve as a foothold.
At this rate, he would be swept away by the leg of the Quadrupedal Tank without even being able to assume a defensive posture.
Collision.
The High Priest was sent flying through the air like a small stone kicked away. However, despite the force of the impact, his speed was surprisingly slow.
The leg that struck him had bent at an angle. The joint, subjected to abnormal stress, was completely destroyed, rendering it immobile.
Rolling on the ground, the High Priest sprang back to his feet. He appeared unharmed.
It seemed that at the moment of impact, he had defended himself with one of his free hands. Grabbing the composite armor with his bare hand, he absorbed the shock and redirected the impact force, allowing him to bounce away.
“Wow.”
Eve couldn’t help but exclaim at the series of collisions. It seemed that the Quadrupedal Tanks were no match for him. Despite their performance being bolstered by lightweight construction and enhanced motor output, it was likely that they were still far from his level.
“
“Next, we shoot.”
Akane murmured softly.
If he were the protagonist of a cheat fantasy, this would be a mere warm-up! Thus began his triumphant advance!