Chapter 318 - A Scoundrel's Logic
We need to secretly support and turn the tide of this one-sided battle.
Indeed, it's easier said than done.
Still, we have the capability to make it happen. We're all seasoned warriors who have survived the harshest training and real combat. We're not just brute force; we can find a way. Or perhaps we can simplify the strategy to brute force if necessary.
"Let's come up with a method that everyone can achieve easily. At this point, it seems we can only achieve our goal in secret through a series of small assists."
"Does Heidi have any good ideas?"
"The quickest way would be to seize the food and medicine storages. Colonel's side is already in a precarious position with food supplies. Setting up a few traps to hinder General's movements while secretly supporting the offensive might do the trick. Colonel's side is likely targeting these storages too, so if we give them the chance, they'll take it."
"Securing these two locations would be a significant turning point. If we can't do that, there's no hope of a comeback. With our support, they should be eager to take the bait."
Indeed. With General's side controlling the port, Colonel's faction can't escape. They won't let this chance slip away.
"It will be well-guarded, though. It won't be easy."
"True. We need to disrupt their defenses with sabotage and interference. The base is large, so there are plenty of opportunities to slip through. It will be tedious, but with enough effort, we can make it work. We need to be careful not to be detected."
If we can secure the healing potions, Colonel's side, with many injured, will have a new hope. Taking the food will also make General's side desperate.
However, we need to avoid causing too many casualties on General's side. This will require a delicate balance.
The worst-case scenario might be to knock everyone out and negotiate, but it's better if they're grateful.
Improvisation is key... but we'll manage. Probably.
"Let's start by causing disruptions to the base's functions. This place is a cluster of magical devices. By pinpointing and destroying key areas, we can limit the base's capabilities. We'll use magic perception to guide our destruction."
"Taking over the control room would be faster, but it would raise suspicions."
"Stealth is crucial. We need to be subtle."
"Understood. We'll coordinate with Colonel's attacks to limit the base's functions. I'll draw a quick map."
Black lines float up from the ground, quickly forming a map. It's Heidi's magic.
Detailed information from our scouts is added, completing the overall picture and attack points.
"For now, this is what we have. We know where General and Colonel are, so we can take decisive action if needed. For now, we need to focus on how to get Colonel to seize the critical facilities."
"Everyone, memorize this. We can't be flashy this time. Yukari-dono, you'll give orders to the scouts."
"Right. I'll handle long-range sniping. Just give me the timing and location, and I'll adjust accordingly."
The more we think about it, the more complex the plan becomes. We'll need to adapt on the fly.
"Understood. The scouts will probe and request attacks as needed. We need to avoid direct attacks to avoid detection. It will mostly be about distracting the targets. Base function disruptions will be easier with infiltration, but we can't overdo it."
"Considering what Colonel's faction hasn't succeeded in, raising suspicions is inevitable. We need to blend in with their attacks and make it look like an accident. We should keep it to a minimum."
We can't force our help if we're suspected. It could cause problems later. We need to avoid raising suspicion.
"Let's limit the destruction to two key areas. We'll determine the best targets as we go."
"Got it. Members capable of long-range support will be dispersed. We need to act quickly; the battle is ongoing."
"The port is controlled by General. If the tide turns, they might try to escape."
We need to be prepared for any scenario. We need to be ready for the unexpected.
"They might try to escape. If we prevent their escape, it will be difficult to remain undetected. The best approach is to offer our help before they make that decision. Timing is crucial."
"By limiting the base's functions and losing the medicine storage, General and Colonel will be on equal footing. If we also take the food storage, General's escape will become a real possibility."
We all studied the map, visualizing the plan.
Honestly, it's a daunting task.
"...We need a starting point. Even if it's a bit forceful, once we create the opportunity, we can capitalize on the chaos."
"Agreed. The longer we wait, the more pirates will die. Yukari-san, this is the key point."
Heidi pointed to the map with a stick. It was near the medicine storage.
"Here?"
"This is the square leading to the medicine storage. There are a lot of guards here. Supporting Colonel's side subtly will take too long. Should we go in with force?"
It's a good plan.
Once we take the first step, the rest will follow naturally.
After finalizing the plan, we dispersed to our positions.
Scouts and long-range support members spread out across the island, looking for opportunities. Others prepared for a potential assault or relayed communications.
After a while, Heidi spoke up.
"---This is Heidi. It's the perfect moment. Now, Yukari-san!"
"Got it."
With a casual response, she cast her spell. This was the start of our plan.
My magic spread thinly and widely, reaching the feet of the guards in the square leading to the medicine storage.
Currently, the square is a battlefield with magic flying between General's and Colonel's factions. A mid-range magic battle is the best situation for us.
The magic I cast was very subtle, far from my usual style.
However, the result was dramatic. The magic affected the feet of General's side, and the effects were visible.
The main facilities, including the medicine storage, are spread underground across the island, with the battle taking place above. What does this mean?
By destabilizing the ground, we can cause significant damage with minimal effort.
The ground crumbled, and many pirates were swallowed up.
"Onee-sama, that might have been a bit too flashy."
"Don't worry, it's not a new base. It's an old, deteriorated facility. Ground collapse during a magic battle isn't unusual. Besides, falling won't kill anyone unless they're extremely unlucky."
The subtle magic weakened the structural integrity of the key areas. The vibrations from the ongoing battle caused the collapse.
Even though it's an old military facility, it's not easily compromised by magic. This magic is only possible with precise perception and manipulation. No one will suspect it was intentional. Even a thorough investigation later won't reveal anything.
Most of the guards defending the square and the corridors leading to the medicine storage were defeated. Colonel's faction, watching in shock, changed their expression and launched a charge. This was their moment of truth. They emerged from cover with unexpected force, avoiding the large hole and rushing into the corridors.
However, General's faction wasn't completely wiped out. The remaining guards, confused, began to retreat.
They were following orders to retreat, desperate orders.
"Violante's magic seems to have worked well."
In another location, our plan was also in motion.
In a similar magic battle, we caused a part of the base's functions to malfunction, making it look like a gas leak. We used this to force General's faction to retreat desperately. Violante's wind magic picked up the retreat call and relayed it to the guards defending the medicine storage.
Under normal circumstances, this might seem suspicious, but in the chaos of a large-scale disaster, it can be disguised. The sudden, unbelievable damage and the fierce enemy charge, combined with the desperate retreat call, are enough to cloud judgment. The call was also skillfully crafted, showcasing Violante's magic prowess.
Even though it seems crude, the intricate and advanced magic skill makes the impossible seem possible. That's why magic is terrifying.
"---This is Shinogami. The operation was a success. Scouts, keep an eye on General and Colonel's movements. Everyone else, stand by. Report any developments."
While listening to the communication relay, Valeria and I stayed in place.
Colonel's faction quickly moved the supplies from the medicine storage to treat the injured.
By evening, many previously inactive magic signatures were reviving and showing renewed vigor.
"Temporarily, the situation has reversed."
"Even with skilled healers on General's side, it won't matter much in a prolonged conflict. Healers have their limits. With so many injured, Colonel's faction is currently in the lead."
"Moreover, the atmosphere in General's camp is terrible."
"Right. If we push them a bit more, they'll have no choice but to accept our proposal. The negotiation will succeed."
Even though we ended up being flashy, we need to be more subtle from here on.
We need to subtly support Colonel's faction and prevent General's comeback.
"We'll keep a close eye on General's movements. Let's plan to start negotiations around sunset tomorrow?"
"That sounds about right. If we push them too hard, they might escape or do something unpredictable."
"True. If they become desperate, it will be a problem. The infiltration team will be dispersed as before to support Colonel's faction. Siegrune and Rosabel will head out to sea and approach the port by boat when the time is right. Mary will lead a couple of teams to accompany them."
It will be interesting to see how General's side reacts to the approaching boat. They will probably attack without question, but we'll push through as if nothing happened and get close enough to start negotiations.
"Understood. We'll secure them gently and provide protection."
"Finally, we're at this point."
Exactly. We can finally start negotiations with the pirates. It's a bit disappointing that the skills we practiced with pirates in the southern sea weren't useful, but the results are what matter.
Colonel's downfall is near. For now, let's savor the feeling of a potential comeback.
Both General and Colonel are scoundrels. We're not in a position to judge others. We're a far more dangerous group, and we're aware of that.
Still, even scoundrels have their principles. That's what they call 'honor among thieves.'
In this world, we often hear about 'honor.' Not breaking promises, not betraying allies, not harming innocent civilians—these are the basics.
What happens if you ignore these principles?
It's simple. People will think you have no value as a human being. You'll be considered the lowest of the low.
Being at the bottom, we must uphold these principles. It's the only way to avoid becoming less than human. That's why we value them. They must not be broken.
People who break these principles are seen as extremely uncool and untrustworthy.
Ironically, we are in a business where trust is crucial. Being uncool and untrustworthy means no one will work with you or follow you.
Colonel is a traitor and a murderer of pregnant women.
Even in our world, that's considered inhuman and beyond the pale. It's impossible to bring someone like that into the fold.
We couldn't give Rosmerta the perfect result, but it's not our fault.
We said we'd be subtle, but we ended up being flashy.
And we're becoming more and more brazen. Stay tuned for the next chapter: "Forceful Infiltration Operation"!