Chapter 169: Rescue and Annihilation
Since the day all armed forces in the major cities of the Afrasia United Kingdom had been disarmed, the Paraiso had commenced border security operations.
To finalize the border line, numerous Walkers, accompanied by Multi-legged Tanks and Power Supply Drones, were deployed.
Ultimately, watchtowers would be constructed across various locations, with power supply being routed from these points.
However, for now, they were diligently maneuvering metallic behemoths to the designated border areas for surveying.
(Since this land is unregulated, the border line is determined by whoever claims it.)
The territory of the Afrasia United Kingdom was largely barren wasteland.
Naturally, the kingdom lacked the resources to manage this desolate expanse. Yet, even if neighboring nations attempted to seize this land, they would struggle to maintain it. It was that harsh and barren.
(Though, the abandoned people often infiltrate these areas.)
This wasteland had once been a normal land, now covered by lava, transforming it into a lifeless terrain. Thus, underground water was plentiful.
Consequently, there were spots where geological shifts and erosion had cracked the surface lava rock, allowing water to seep through.
If one could secure such locations, a small community could survive.
With water available, it became easier to dig into the earth, and mining for Redstone became feasible. The abandoned people who survived and merchant caravans moving to purchase Redstone engaged in trade, giving rise to a modest economic zone along the border wasteland.
(All illegal settlements have been confiscated by the Paraiso.)
However, with the Afrasia United Kingdom’s control established, The Tree had deployed surplus forces to conquer all these settlements. Not that they faced significant armed resistance.
Without room for negotiation, they were subdued by Multi-legged Tanks and Communicator Androids, then loaded onto Multi-legged Transport Aircraft and sent to farms.
Since the locations of the settlements had become oases, they were now progressing with the installation of watchtowers based on these new strongholds.
(The resistance from the abandoned people was considerably less than anticipated.)
Perhaps the distribution of food had played a crucial role. Ultimately, they were struggling to survive in this wasteland.
In exchange for labor, they were provided with adequate food supplies.
That alone led most of the abandoned people to agree to become subordinates of the Paraiso. Only a very small number, those who had been profiting from illegal settlements, required education. Even they were now working diligently.
(The problem remains that there are still signs of abandoned people attempting to infiltrate.)
Life in the wasteland was brutal.
Food was scarce, relying solely on preserved food brought in by merchant caravans. To purchase these supplies, one had to mine for Redstone.
Due to the intense heat during the day, work could only be done in the morning and evening. Otherwise, one would quickly succumb to heatstroke. The nights were cool, but without light, nothing could be done. Candles and oil were far too precious to obtain.
Naturally, the weak among them were the first to perish. However, at least enough abandoned people were flowing into the settlements to compensate for the losses.
(The situation in neighboring countries does not seem very promising.)
Surveillance satellites were being deployed for investigation, but due to their small economic scale and lack of energy-consuming civilization, information from aerial surveys was limited.
Multiple nations bordered the western side of the Afrasia United Kingdom.
(New intruders detected.)
While leveling the border with heavy machinery, a group moving westward was spotted. The onboard AI reported the situation and immediately initiated action.
This was a task they had performed many times before, and they had been granted a certain degree of discretion. The heavy machinery continued its work while a Multi-legged Tank surged toward the group.
To the group, it must have seemed as if a colossal entity was charging at them. It was a terrifying sight.
Yet, they were not in a state of mind to run away. In most cases, they merely glared at the approaching Multi-legged Tank, having resolved themselves to face it.
Occasionally, they would scatter like spiders fleeing, but none could escape the several kilometers of visibility from the Multi-legged Tank.
“We are the border security force of the Afrasia United Kingdom. State your affiliations.”
Activating the Communicator Android that had been on standby, it descended from the lower hatch and addressed the group through a loudspeaker. Here, it was unlikely anyone would be able to state their affiliations. Even if they could, only the names of the towns or villages they once lived in would emerge.
“…We belong nowhere. Our village has perished. We have no destination.”
This group appeared relatively cohesive. A man, presumably their representative, stepped forward and replied.
(Negotiations seem feasible.)
The AI assessed the situation and deployed two additional Communicators to the ground. The group consisted of 22 individuals: 6 men, 10 women, 4 children, and 2 infants. All were exhausted and required immediate assistance. They had traveled during the day, unaware of how to navigate this wasteland.
In the hot, dry wasteland, the correct approach was to move in the morning or evening, or under the moonlight, resting in the shade during the day. Failing to do so would quickly deplete their strength.
“Understood. You all appear very fatigued. We will prepare water, food, and shade for you.”
As the Communicator spoke, the two additional Communicators swiftly set up tents. A multi-wheeled transport vehicle that had caught up carried ample water and food supplies.
“Come this way first. There are children among you. There is still time.”
Despite being an unknown entity, the speaker was a petite and delicate girl. Cautiously, the group followed her into the tent.
They were likely at their limit. As they drank the Oral Rehydration Solution distributed to them, tears streamed down their faces.
Even the portable food, made simply by mashing potatoes and seasoning with salt and oil, was met with overwhelming gratitude.
The infants were in a precarious state, but not critical enough to warrant immediate emergency care, so they were given formula and placed in incubators. These supplies had been hastily prepared after infants were discovered during the suppression of the illegal settlements.
With this treatment, the group seemed to completely lower their guard. Regardless of any ulterior motives, they understood that the generous care given to the infants, who held no immediate value, indicated they would not be harmed for the time being.
Such scenes repeated every other day somewhere in the wasteland. The numbers and frequency were becoming increasingly concerning.
(Consideration must also be given to the infiltration of Spy Bots from neighboring countries.)
Given the vast area and the previously overlooked physical infiltration due to resource constraints, it was now a serious consideration. The AI, receiving reports from the field, contemplated this.
“Charge!”
In the makeshift fortress built in the wasteland, the location was a Redstone mining site established by the neighboring Diaratline Kingdom, which had unlawfully occupied the Afrasia United Kingdom.
About two weeks prior, this place had been ravaged by the Multi-legged Tanks and Communicator Androids dispatched by the Paraiso, leading to its surrender.
The command given to the retreating stationed troops was to reclaim the fortress. In reality, the orders from the kingdom were to refrain from interference, but the border lord had independently reorganized troops and initiated an invasion. The home country, while not fully aware, had at least grasped the threat posed by the Paraiso. They had placed considerable trust in the ambassador who had sent communications.
However, the border lord misinterpreted the directives from the kingdom as a strategy to undermine his power. Thus, he resolved to reclaim the most significant asset he possessed: the Redstone mining site.
He had made his decision.
The enemy was few in number. There were rumors of them using mysterious Golems, but their numbers were limited. They planned to hold them off with a small force while the rest would assault the fortress and eliminate the enemy soldiers inside.
To that end, they had even brought cavalry, known for consuming resources.
As the cavalry charged, something massive sluggishly rose from within the fortress.
A Multi-legged Tank from the Paraiso.
(Engagement permitted. All weapons free.)
Observing the situation, Ringo issued the command. The enemy consisted of regular soldiers. There was no need for restraint.
The coaxial Gatling gun mounted on the upper turret unleashed a torrent of shells.
First, the charging cavalry was engulfed in a cloud of blood and smoke.
The turret then pivoted.
Flechette rounds fired from the main railgun rained down upon the following infantry, incapacitating most with a single shot.
At that moment, Multi-legged Assault Machines and the Communicator Androids mounted upon them surged forth. They emerged from the fortress and pursued the fleeing infantry, gunning them down one after another.
Within five minutes of the battle commencing, the recovery force, consisting of 50 infantry and 10 cavalry, was utterly annihilated.
“Ma’am, we have confirmed the incursion of an armed group at the border and successfully repelled them.”
“Oh my, how troublesome. Make sure to lodge a formal protest.”
“Yes, Ma’am. All went smoothly.”