Chapter 319 - A Brute-Force Infiltration Operation
Securing the chemical storage has given the Colonel's Faction a chance to turn the tide, but they haven't rushed into a night battle. By now, both factions are likely reworking their strategies, especially the General's Faction, which is scrambling to regroup. Even without the sounds of combat, the base remains restless.
In the midst of this lingering chaos and confusion, our movements haven't stopped. We move swiftly and precisely, seizing every opportunity.
Amid the commotion, we thoroughly explore the base's interior, pinpointing the exact locations of both leaders and their guards. We even take steps to prevent the conflict from spreading too far.
"Third Squad here. We've activated the dormant magical devices on the northeast route."
"Fifth Squad here. We've closed the protective doors on the western branch route."
We activate facilities that the General's Faction can't use, restricting their movement and attacks.
"First Squad here. We've forcibly activated the magical devices leading to the port."
"Fourth Squad here. The base function exploration is mostly complete."
We set traps to hinder any escape attempts and gather detailed information about the base's functions to avoid unexpected alarms or attacks. Giving ourselves time and freedom is a sure path to total defeat.
"Hydi here. Marking on the General's equipment is complete."
"Shade here. Marking on the Colonel's equipment is also complete."
We eliminate irregularities as much as possible, gathering all the information we can and preparing everything we can.
If we do everything to the fullest, there's less to worry about. We need to be as thorough as possible.
"Siegrune here. Everyone, you've done well. Infiltration teams, withdraw and rest. Surveillance teams, keep up the good work."
As he listens to the responses from various teams, the Vice-Commander turns off his communication device and places a hand on his shoulder.
"Siegrune, why don't you rest too? I'll keep an eye on things."
"Yeah, we'll take turns. Rosabel-san... is she already asleep?"
"Long ago."
In the camp we set up in the forest, members are resting as they please. The old lady only comes out for negotiations, so she's quite laid-back.
"From the looks of it, there won't be any movement until dawn. Valeria, you should rest too."
"...I'll lie down for a bit."
Valeria, looking sleepy, nods and is led to her bed by Siegrune.
With nothing to do unless an emergency arises, I spread a magical detection net to monitor the base's magical devices and movements.
Time passes without incident, and as dawn approaches, the Colonel's Faction's activities become more active. They seem ready to make a move.
Reports from the surveillance teams come in, and the resting members wake up and move to their positions. Today is our decisive moment, and our resolve naturally intensifies.
The battle began at sunrise.
The Colonel's Faction launched aggressive magical attacks from the start, with a large number of troops advancing under cover. The General's Faction's response seems to be lagging, and the momentum difference is clear. At this rate, the General's side might collapse just by standing by. Several injured are already being evacuated.
Despite our efforts to support the General's side, there's no room for tricks. It's easier this way.
"The situation is moving faster than expected."
"The momentum difference is stark."
Time is on the General's side, but they seem to be retreating. The Colonel's side, on the other hand, knows they need to finish this quickly to avoid a disadvantage. They are pushing for a decisive victory.
The General's side has the advantage of the base's facilities. Even with the chemical storage taken, they have high-ranking healers. If they retreat underground, they can buy time and regroup. However, they don't want to lose any part of the underground facilities, and the morale of the lower ranks is dropping. They will likely be forced underground soon. If they think they can escape, it will be hard to hold out.
But thanks to our tampering, the underground structure has many weaknesses and can't withstand a prolonged siege.
"Hydi here. The Colonel's side is clearly dominant, and the battle is progressing faster than expected. We should move sooner rather than later."
"Shinogami here. I agree. Siegrune and Rosabel-san, Mary and the guard team should wait in boats offshore. At this rate, it won't last until noon."
The Colonel's Faction is indeed formidable.
"Siegrune here. Understood. We'll move in once we receive the signal. I'll report back to the flagship first."
"Sure, count on you."
Observing the conflict between the two factions is intriguing. The attacking side is always stronger than the defending side.
We must always be on the offensive. We can't afford to be defensive and must maintain an attacking stance. The pursuer is always stronger than the pursued, and mental fortitude often decides the outcome.
There's no need to fear those who are defensive. There's nothing to fear from those who run. The ones to fear are those who fight with their fangs bared, or those who cleverly hide their fangs.
The Colonel is a capable commander. I can't help but think he would be a traitor if he weren't.
As we subtly interfere from the shadows, the battle settles into a lull by noon.
Hydi, who handles the Intelligence Bureau's reports, comes to me with updates.
"The eastern route's invasion has progressed deep inside. They've effectively used the weaknesses we created."
"The central route is also making significant progress. The offensive seems to have paused, but they won't let the General's side rest."
"True. The eerie silence can heighten tension or break it. I think the attacks will resume in about an hour."
By then, the General's side will be quite anxious.
"Yeah, it seems about right. We should move Siegrune and the others when the attacks resume."
"That's a good idea. We'll have Violante relay the message."
"Onee-sama, should we continue monitoring and supporting?"
Valeria, my guard, seems bored. Being far from the facility, there's little risk of sudden attacks, so her role is minimal.
"We'll continue, but I might not have much to do. Want to join Siegrune and the others?"
"Yes, I'd like to."
Siegrune and Rosabel-san will handle the negotiations, with Mary as their guard. Other combat team members will join once the negotiations are settled, to subdue the Colonel's faction and capture Colonel himself to present to the General.
If I join as a guard, and Mary and Valeria help with the subjugation, we can finish the job quickly.
"Sure, let's do that. Hydi, Valeria and I will move by boat. Count on you to follow up."
"Understood. We'll withdraw once the subjugation is complete."
As the end draws near, I find myself missing Exembra.
Well, let's get this over with.
Far from the military base on the island, we wait on a nearly motionless boat in the calm sea. The weather is pleasant, and it feels like a nice day for a leisurely outing. I almost want to dangle a fishing line; the water seems full of fish.
The relaxed atmosphere on the boat, with everyone resting as they please, makes it hard to believe a fierce battle is happening on a nearby island.
"Everyone, the wind has changed. Violante has sent the signal."
"Understood, Mary. Everyone, let's go!"
Our relaxed mood is over.
The boats move in unison. I continue to monitor the area with my magic, ready for any irregularities. So far, everything seems fine.
As we approach the island, there's no reaction from the enemy, despite being within detection range.
Everyone stays alert, ready for an attack. However, there are no signs of the expected attacks or warnings, and we enter the port without incident.
"Siegrune here. Hydi, what's the situation? We should be able to enter the port without interference."
"Hydi here. The Colonel's side is intensifying their attacks. They might be too busy to notice, or they might not have detected us yet. The magical alarm devices are disabled, so it's up to you."
Approaching by boat is less noticeable than a large ship, but it's a clear day, so they should have noticed us. The Colonel's attacks seem to be a good diversion.
If it's easy, so much the better.
"All units, prepare to land! Do not attack from our side. We are here as friendly envoys. Treat any attacks with respect!"
"Aye!"
It looks like there won't be much resistance. If we don't cause a commotion, we should reach the General smoothly.
We entered the port, a natural cave modified, without any resistance. The landing was smooth, and there was no one around.
"Phew, that was easy."
"Even if we planned for the worst, reality is often simpler. The markings on the General and Colonel are working, so we should be able to proceed."
"Right, let's start with the General. Mary, lead the way."
"Understood. Follow me. Vicky's team, secure this area."
The port is in the northwest of the island. The General's Faction is in the north, the Colonel's in the south, and most people are gathered in the east, leaving the west mostly empty.
Mary and her team move ahead, wary of non-magical traps, and clear any dangers to ensure a safe passage.
We follow the path, breaking through any doors we encounter.
The area between the port and the General's location was empty, likely due to the strict security and the belief in the magical alarm devices. As we approached our destination, we finally encountered someone.
We are here as friendly envoys, so we won't barge in or attack without warning.
Siegrune knocked loudly on the metal door. A gentle knock wouldn't be heard, so a strong one was necessary.
"Hehe, they're tense in there."
"They didn't expect anyone from the port. They're rattled."
We are unknown visitors. They won't open the door carelessly and are on high alert.
After another knock, someone moved towards the General's room. They probably reported to the boss.
A few moments later, several magical signatures approached the room.
Introducing ourselves through the door would be pointless. The thick rock walls and sturdy metal door would muffle our voices, so we knocked again.
No one tried to open the door.
"They won't be careless during a battle with the Colonel. This could turn into a prolonged standoff."
"Breaking in would be faster."
"Breaking in is easy, but it could hinder negotiations. We should try to resolve this peacefully."
"Should we create a small gap?"
Hmm, a gap would allow us to communicate. Depending on the size, we might see faces and hear voices. But it might be cumbersome.
"What do we do?"
"Ultimately, they'll be on guard no matter what. Let's enter and talk properly. I'll subtly break the lock and open the door normally."
"Will we be attacked?"
"I'll set up a defensive barrier. If we don't attack, they'll listen."
The rest will depend on Mary's intimidation and Siegrune and Rosabel-san's negotiation skills.
"Indeed, wasting time is pointless. A controlled breach will show our strength and could be effective. Let's do it. Yukari-dono, please."
"Sure thing."
The metal door was quickly mastered. I destroyed the magical and physical locks without any visible signs from the outside.
We gently pushed open the door, which opened inward, and deployed an invisible barrier. A magical attack hit us almost immediately.
"Immediate attack, not bad."
"Yeah, typical ex-military decisiveness."
The attack stopped after a few seconds, and we finally met face-to-face.
Their attire was more military than pirate, likely because they saw no need to change. The dirt didn't make them look like pirates, and the rank insignia clearly identified the General.
"Who are you!"
The gruff, authoritative voice belonged to the General, the most commanding presence in the room.
Since we were asked, we answered. Siegrune stepped forward.
"We are envoys sent by Duke Oversta of the Kingdom of Brenark. Your welcome is quite... enthusiastic."
Siegrune smiled wryly.
The negotiations have begun.