Chapter 273: Power Reconnaissance
“Hey, I just received an unexpected notification that the operation has begun!”
“Operation to conquer the Prava Divine Nation has commenced!”
With a swift response from Amagio Silverhead, Eve replied cheerfully.
“…Isn’t there supposed to be a prior notice?”
“…I forgot!”
One should never underestimate a recluse. Generally, the option to communicate with others simply doesn’t arise. RINGO was certainly aware of the lack of communication but chose not to mention it. If anything, it was noted on the schedule, so they could check it themselves.
“Well, it’s fine. I’m only half involved in this anyway.”
“I won’t impose any information restrictions, so feel free to look as you wish…”
While this heartwarming exchange took place, the army began its march toward the Holy Capital of the Prava Divine Nation. The first to move were the numerous quadrupedal tanks, which surged forward toward the Holy Capital, splitting left and right about 1 km before reaching the defensive line. Following them was the land battleship Jotun.
Naturally, their movements were clearly visible from the Holy Capital. In response to the advancing forces of The Tree, the clerics responsible for defense began to move in a flurry. Bells rang out from various locations, and the waiting monk soldiers rushed out.
The strategic AI Iris was numbering the units expected to deploy in the east, west, south, and north as Groups A through D, relaying real-time strength evaluations to the tactical link of The Tree. Regarding this invasion, The Tree—or rather, RINGO—would not provide any informational support. All operational progress was entrusted to the local strategy AI and tactical AI.
“Iris is doing her best.”
“Yeah, she seems a bit tense, but she’ll be fine.”
Akane, the creator of Iris, watched anxiously. With U-Class and E-Class tactical AIs also participating in the operation, Utsugi and Erika were clinging to Akane’s sides. Eve observed them from her adjacent seat.
RINGO assessed the success rate of this operation to be over 80%. The remaining 20% was attributed to magical uncertainties, meaning there were fundamentally no elements that could lead to failure. This information was shared among all AIs, yet worry remained a concern.
Such emotional instability was one of the characteristics of the Brain Unit. The response areas of the Neural Network do not always rely on numerical accuracy. The areas that react strongly vary depending on the individual’s experiential information.
“The response intensity from the Prava Divine Nation is within expected parameters.”
“There’s currently no anti-air attack.”
“Just as predicted.”
The aerial escort ship, Titan, number 11, Mune-Moshine, was circling above the sea. Onboard was the U-Class tactical AI, Wederia Eleven. The massive bird, constructed of steel and carbon, slowly adjusted its course, preparing to approach within range from a high altitude to provide supporting bombardment for the assault on the Holy Capital.
Meanwhile, controlling the units from the rear was the E-Class tactical AI, Lily. Currently, Lily was temporarily stationed on the land battleship Jotun, commanding from Yakari Port. Under her control were four Jotun units advancing to the front lines, along with a multitude of quadrupedal tanks.
“So far, there’s been no significant response. We’ll proceed with Plan A.”
“Just as scheduled.”
“The network is stable as well.”
“…Akane, you’re really tense.”
“We might need to provide some care.”
Noticing the distorted shape of Akane’s Emotion Graph, Eve felt a sense of urgency and stood up. While she had been watching with a warm heart, it seemed Akane was under more stress than she had anticipated. To care for her, Eve moved behind Akane and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
“See, Akane? It’s okay; just relax.”
“…Older Sister.”
“It’s fine. Even if something happens, we can back you up immediately. Just trust and watch over everything.”
“…But…”
Eve glanced at the Emotion Graph. Akane was in a state of extreme tension, while Utsugi and Erika exhibited high levels of anxiety and tension. Ichigo appeared calm, possibly analyzing the tactical link information, but her operational rate was high. Olive seemed focused on the quadrupedal tanks at the front lines.
“Look, everyone’s here with you. Just calm down.”
Eve embraced Utsugi, Akane, and Erika from behind. Increasing the contact area helped stabilize their emotions. As they remained huddled together for a while, the Emotion Graphs of the three gradually calmed down. The power of physical touch was indeed remarkable.
As this heartwarming interaction continued, the first stage of the Decapitation operation was nearing its end. The encirclement by the quadrupedal tanks and land battleships had been completed.
“Stage I complete. Transitioning to Stage II.”
RINGO thoughtfully announced the progress verbally. Stage II was the strength measurement phase, in other words, power reconnaissance. Until now, they had not engaged in a serious confrontation, having only dealt with a handful of monk soldiers stationed in the town. Thus, they were attempting to gauge the enemy’s combat strength accurately. Particularly concerning were the high-ranking clerics, whose capabilities remained unknown, as they had not been dispatched to the local villages and towns.
“We will begin deploying units for power reconnaissance.”
From the southern side, units belonging to Group C began to run across the grassland, approximately 50 units in total. These were quadrupedal tanks intended to be sacrificed. The tanks kicked off the ground to accelerate. Their maximum speed was 60 km/h, but on the uneven grassland, they wouldn’t reach that speed. Still, they were likely exceeding 40 km/h.
First, they would make contact at that speed.
The defending monk soldiers of the Holy Capital sprang into action the moment they detected the enemy’s movements. They burst out of their posts, diving into the trenches of the defensive line. If they were attacked from a single point, they could consolidate their forces, but the forces of The Tree were dispersed all around for a complete encirclement. Not knowing from where they would be attacked, they had to position monk soldiers at every defensive line.
This type of warfare was a first experience for the Prava Divine Nation. In their current campaigns, they had always been the attackers.
Fortunately, however, a bishop dispatched from the family was currently among the upper echelons. They had been constantly fighting in the Demon Forest, having experienced numerous defensive battles against the encroaching monsters.
First, they set up horse barriers for delay. Though referred to as horse barriers, they were actually robust walls designed to slow down the ferocious monsters. By combining hewn logs and driving them into the ground, they could prevent the charge of large masses. Even large boar-like monsters would find it difficult to break through head-on.
Additionally, ditches and earthen ramparts were constructed in conjunction with the barriers. By digging in front of the barriers and piling up behind them, their defensive power was further enhanced. By hiding behind, they could also protect themselves from the enemy’s ranged attacks.
The advantage of these horse barriers was that as long as they had logs, they could create strong walls anywhere. The transportation of logs, their installation, digging the ground, and piling up the earthworks were all accomplished in the blink of an eye by the monk soldiers, who were human machinery.
However, despite the defensive structures built around the Holy Capital, they felt woefully inadequate against the approaching massive war machines. Armed with spears for defense, they aimed to stop the enemy’s advance with the barriers and deliver a fatal blow from a distance without letting them get close. However, the length of their spears was insufficient to reach the legs of the quadrupedal tanks.
Yet, there was nothing they could do at this point. They steeled themselves and pointed their spears at the looming giant machines.