Chapter 84: Interlude (One Shot)
It was truly a stroke of luck that I was able to notice it.
I vividly remember that day; the sky was a brilliant blue, not a single cloud in sight, and the sunlight filtering through the trees was more intense than usual.
As part of our daily duties, we were conducting our routine patrol of the area. We remained vigilant for any stray monsters that might have wandered in, unusual traces, or abnormalities in the vegetation. While it was necessary to eliminate any monsters we encountered, the patrol area was flanked on both sides by other patrol zones, with a city behind us and a wilderness leading to the Afrasia United Kingdom in front. Thus, the chance of a stray monster wandering into our territory was virtually nonexistent. Nevertheless, we could not afford to let our guard down, and so this area was regarded as a relatively relaxed post within the patrol unit.
It was precisely because of this relaxed atmosphere that I let my guard down. Glancing up through the gaps in the trees, I noticed something far above in the sky.
A glimmer.
In that moment, reflecting the slanted rays of the Sotel, I realized something was flying up there.
“That’s an incredibly high altitude. Even the Wyverns from the Northern Mountain Range don’t fly that high.”
This was the conclusion reached by the unit’s best observer. I had no way of estimating just how high it was, but it was clear that whatever it was, it was flying above us and following a set course.
“It can’t be a legendary Tyra Dragon. How is it flying?”
Immediately after the discovery, the information was relayed from the unit leader to the Crisis Response Ministry. It was deemed impossible for the rapid response team to intercept, and the Ministry of Defense was notified. At the same time, an emergency meeting of the Council of Elders was convened.
“It appears to be moving in a large circle, gradually shifting toward our homeland. I’m not well-versed in this, but I’ve heard that the reconnaissance flights of the Eastern Wyve Riders follow a similar circular trajectory.”
“So, what are you saying? That someone is riding that thing and conducting reconnaissance on our nation?”
“Given that it’s coming from that direction, could it be the nomads? Ridiculous; there’s no way they could fly that high.”
“Shouldn’t we consider that possibility? Perhaps it’s a nation even further west. I’ve heard they’re targeting Redstone. They might be demanding mining rights in exchange for some kind of technology.”
“Why would they seek out such barren land? They could just let the nomads mine it as they have been. If they try to stake a claim there, they’ll find themselves endlessly devouring their resources. It’s a bottomless pit.”
“Or perhaps they’re foolish enough not to realize that.”
“Hmph. You’re suggesting that some backward nation has the technology to send something flying up there? Absurd.”
“Then are you saying that some force capable of mining Redstone profitably in that wasteland is the one sending that thing?”
“No, it’s all speculation. There’s no evidence to support any of this. We need to investigate what that is and whether communication is possible.”
“Investigate? Do we have any means to do so? I’ve received reports that even our best wind magic users can’t reach half that height.”
The Council of Elders was in disarray. The mysterious flying object seemed to continue its flight day and night. Furthermore, something similar was spotted far away over the southern sea, albeit for a brief moment.
“Observations suggest a high likelihood that it’s an artificial object. There are no similar species among monsters, and its movements are not biological. It resembles the trajectory of a Golem repeating a set pattern.”
“Is there no way to shoot it down? If it’s artificial, isn’t it an infringement upon our territory?”
“Even if we shot an arrow, there’s no way it could reach that height. Can’t we use some kind of magic to counter it?”
“Magic has its range. No matter how skilled the user, they won’t reach that height.”
It was likely some kind of artificial object, probably a Golem. While it wouldn’t reveal much from such a high vantage point, the feeling of being constantly watched was certainly unsettling. Naturally, discussions turned to how we could shoot it down.
“We may not be able to target it directly with magic, but if we combine something—”
“Perhaps the patrol captain with long-range magic—”
“Can’t we use Sojidaras—”
“If this continues, our nation’s prestige will—”
And so, a response was decided. The moderate faction narrowly gained the upper hand, and orders were issued to the patrol unit. In other words, we would shoot a message arrow.
“Commence observation!”
“Observation commencing.”
After the decision was made, the unit immediately sprang into action. The captain, skilled in the One Shot magic, was selected, and a longbow inscribed with special runes along with arrows was prepared. Given the distance to the target, it was certain that the longbow would be destroyed upon casting the spell. This was a specially crafted item, inscribed with runes for increased initial velocity and range, made solely for this operation.
“Target sighted.”
The One Shot magic allowed the user to ensure that their arrow would hit any target within their perceptual range. However, the farther away the target was and the faster it moved, the more magical power was required. A preliminary assessment revealed that one person alone could not supply the necessary magic, so a ritual magic involving multiple participants was arranged.
A pentagram magic circle was meticulously laid out, with the caster positioned at one vertex and the remaining four points occupied by those supplying magical power. Additionally, external visual enhancement magic was layered on to assist the caster in identifying the target Golem.
Even so, even the best observer in the unit could only see it as a speck.
But for the One Shot, what mattered was the act of “seeing.”
The longbow, infused with magical power, began to glow. The runes inscribed on the arrow also shone in response to the One Shot magic.
With a creaking sound, the bowstring was drawn back.
“One Shot.”
With a whoosh, the arrow was released. The recoil from the magic shattered the longbow into pieces.
It was rare in the long history of the Forest Country, Lebresta, for so much magical power to be poured into a single arrow. As the arrow soared, greedily drawing magical power from the magical conduit connecting it to the caster, it maintained its speed, heading straight for the target.
Thanks to the magic’s effect, the arrow was guaranteed to pierce its target. As it flew, it overwrote reality to ensure its impact. Drawing on the magical power of both the caster and the suppliers, the arrow ascended higher and higher.
“…Ugh.”
Approximately five minutes later, the magical power ran dry. Several individuals lost consciousness due to the sudden depletion of magic. The caster, being the source of magical supply, retained a small amount of magic. They sensed that the magical conduit connecting them to the arrow had been severed in the proper manner.
“…Hit confirmed.”
However, the rapid loss of magical power caused dizziness, and they fell to their knees. A waiting medic rushed over immediately.
“Report: Hit confirmed!”
“Rear observation confirms normal release of the spell! It hit!”
Hearing the reports from both the caster and the observation team, the unit leader nodded.
“Communications officer, contact headquarters. The message has been delivered to the recipient. This operation is complete as planned. No issues. Over.”
“Understood!”
Though it was a last-minute operation, the plan to deliver a message arrow to the Golem above was successfully executed. Had the target Golem possessed a magical barrier, the arrow would have lost its power due to insufficient magical energy to breach it. Despite the combined magical power of five elite members of the patrol unit, simply hitting the target was a struggle. Although it went according to plan, even the unit leader could not be entirely confident in its success.
Moreover, the funds poured into this operation were staggering. The specially crafted bow and arrows were one-of-a-kind creations by the finest magical artisans. Rare catalysts for ritual magic and high-level sorcerers had constructed the magic circle.
The amount of funding invested in this operation was enough to send shivers down one’s spine.
“Alright. Continue to monitor the situation. The observation team will maintain their position. Report any changes immediately.”
“Understood! Observation team, continue operations!”
Approximately one hour after the arrow struck its target.
The Golem in the sky slowly veered off course, changing its trajectory toward the Afrasia United Kingdom.
From that point onward, the Golem never again intruded into the Forest Country of Lebresta.