Chapter 412 - The Escalating Shadow War
The elite forces of Gulgandi, having arrived by ship, began their operations with only half their numbers left behind in their hideout. They moved in small groups, which was unexpected. I didn't think that elite combat and covert operatives would venture out so openly right after arriving. Their swift and stealthy actions were indeed worthy of an elite force. They certainly weren't here for tourism. They would inevitably cause trouble, and I had no intention of letting them.
The first move in battle is always crucial. The one who initiates holds the advantage, and can always steer events to their liking.
"This is Jinna. President, the target is a dirty green truck. You should be able to see it soon."
Jinna had been keeping a close eye on one of the enemy groups and was reporting back to us. We, being more agile, were ready to strike at a moment's notice. We took a position along a quiet stretch of road by the river, waiting for the right moment. Valeria and I were positioned to ambush them.
"This is Shinogami. We're all set here. How about you, Gradena?"
"We're ready to go, any time, Onee-sama."
"Roberta and Violante, how about you?"
"This is Violante. Just a little more... we can set the trap in about twenty seconds."
"Emary, any movement at their hideout?"
"This is Emary. No movement at the enemy hideout."
The elite forces of Gulgandi were split into four groups, each with an unclear objective. But once we took them down, their purpose would be irrelevant.
Due to our limited numbers, we couldn't eliminate all four groups simultaneously, but we aimed to take out three at once. The enemy would likely have communication devices, so we needed to minimize our information leaks and reduce their numbers quickly.
"This is Shinogami. Follow my lead. They're in sight... We'll strike on the signal."
As we received responses from our team, we kept our eyes on the approaching truck. It was about to cross the bridge, probably traveling at around seventy kilometers per hour. Perfect conditions for our ambush. We waited by the side of the bridge over the river.
The occasional passing vehicles made it clear that we couldn't afford to be conspicuous. We needed to end this quietly and efficiently.
As the truck sped along the river, we gave the signal to strike.
"—Go!"
I cast my spell with precision, creating a protrusion on the road that the truck's tire hit. The impact was perfect. The truck tipped over, rolled violently, and crashed into the river, sliding off the bridge.
There were no seatbelt laws or cultural norms. The instant the accident happened, the three occupants smashed their faces into the windshield, their blood mixing with shattered glass. It was a complete surprise, leaving them no time to prepare.
At a speed of over seventy kilometers per hour, without braking, the impact would be catastrophic for even the most trained warriors. If I had been in their shoes, I would have lost consciousness or at least been dazed.
Falling into the river from such a height was a death sentence.
If they somehow managed to escape, Valeria and I would ensure they were sent to the depths of hell.
These were the elite of the enemy nation. No matter how skilled they were or how expensive their equipment, a sudden attack would render them helpless. What a tragic end, dying in an accident without a fight.
The truck sank into the deep river, creating a flurry of bubbles.
"...The magic signatures are gone. It was rather anticlimactic."
"Yes, but they must have been prepared for the worst."
We all preferred a straightforward fight. Despite the risks, that's what comes with battle. We always sought conflict, even if it meant losing and dying. This was part of why the Kikyo Society was feared.
However, this time, we were ordered to eliminate them covertly by the Intelligence Department. We couldn't engage in leisurely fights, no matter how tempting.
If we could just beat down the enemies in front of us, it would have been more enjoyable, but in this complex situation, we couldn't afford to cause a commotion in the city. The city was not yet a battlefield, so we had to make the enemy's demise look like an accident.
"Still, I wonder where they were in such a hurry to go."
Indeed. We prioritized elimination over investigation, so we had no clue about their objectives.
"We're tracking the remaining enemy, so we might find out later."
The elite forces of Gulgandi had left a core team at the hideout, and the rest were divided into four groups. We managed to eliminate three of them, but the fourth was being tracked due to our limited numbers.
"This is Violante. We successfully eliminated the enemy, disguising it as an accident."
"This is Gradena. It went well here too. No witnesses."
"This is Shinogami. Everything went smoother than expected. Who's tracking the remaining group?"
"...This is Croette. I'm tracking the remaining group, and they're heading towards the eastern part of the Noble District."
Croette, like Jinna and Emary, was a combat specialist under Gradena. Though surveillance wasn't her specialty, she managed to handle it, as was expected of a Kikyo Society member. However, dealing with enemy elites might be a bit much.
"If they're heading towards the eastern part of the Noble District, I'm the closest, right? Croette, I'll head there now. Keep me updated."
"Understood. But a one-person long-term pursuit might be difficult. If they notice, what will we do?"
"That's their problem. We need to avoid drawing attention, but they can't afford to be conspicuous either. Still, try not to be noticed. We don't want them realizing we're chipping away at their ranks."
"I'll do my best, but it'll be tough..."
"This is Leila. Croette, if I catch up, can we switch surveillance duties?"
Perfect timing. Leila, having recently completed the ship hijacking, was on her way and agreed to take over surveillance.
However, the enemy was likely maintaining close communication. Whether or not they noticed the pursuit, the lack of contact with multiple allies would eventually tip them off. They might already know.
"This is Shinogami. Violante, we're heading to the main hideout for surveillance. Emary, still no movement there?"
"This is Emary. Still nothing. The hideout remains quiet."
If so, they hadn't noticed us yet. Ideally, we'd want to ambush the main group before they were alerted. We had to act swiftly and decisively to neutralize the enemy that Gradena had identified as formidable.
While imagining various scenarios, we moved to regroup.
The hideout where the Gulgandi elites had settled was an old warehouse near the port. It wasn't a small, old building but a relatively new and large one, almost the size of a gym. Its size suggested it held a significant amount of supplies, and I wondered how they managed to keep it hidden from the authorities for so long.
The highly advanced concealment magic, alarms, and traps were likely activated. Even from a distance, it was clear that the hideout was anything but ordinary.
The defenses were probably activated as soon as the elites arrived. Constant use would have exposed it, so they likely activated it only when necessary, indicating they were already on high alert.
The area was gradually clearing out, probably due to the Intelligence Department's foresight to prevent any accidental confrontations.
Now, what to do?
The leader of the enemy, according to Gradena, was a formidable opponent. The hideout, likely booby-trapped, required careful planning. A hasty attack would be dangerous.
Even with magic detection, we couldn't discern the enemy's numbers or positions. The hideout was equipped with advanced systems, and the enemies were no fools.
Wasting time wasn't an option. We needed to strike before the enemy realized the situation, if we could. A lead or some information would be useful...
"Violante, can you use the wind to gauge the situation?"
The team gathered included me, Valeria, Roberta, Violante, and four others under Gradena. Gradena and one other were tracking the remaining enemy group, while Leila was en route. The other Intelligence Bureau members were securing the hijacked ship and questioning the crew.
"Actually, I've been trying, but it's difficult. The building's air-tightness leaves no gaps."
"Should I try to get closer using invisibility?"
"Roberta's illusion magic might not be enough to fool the surveillance devices. We should assume the highest level of surveillance."
"Right. Even if we hide and suppress our magic, we can't conceal heat or sound."
"And it's not just that. I'm picking up faint but continuous magical waves, likely an intrusion warning system. It will be hard to bypass."
It seemed like a radar-like magical device. Similar to how radar detects objects by bouncing radio waves, this system likely used magic. Invisibility and suppressed magic wouldn't fool it. The waves would still detect our presence.
Such a device required a deep understanding of radar technology and specialized countermeasures. Even with advanced magic perception and manipulation, fooling a radar-like magical device would be challenging.
I hadn't expected such advanced equipment, and it wasn't something the Magic Item Guild typically sold.
Given the complexity, it was likely brought from the distant continent. This made the enemy even more formidable.
This was not just a simple enemy, but a highly organized and well-equipped one.
"Onee-sama. There might be not only traps for intruders but also offensive magical devices."
"What did you see?"
"There are several slits next to the small surveillance windows. They could be for attack."
My junior had keen eyes. I hadn't noticed them.
"...Damn, a warehouse turned fortress. This could be a problem."
"They might hunker down. If they realize their numbers are being reduced, they might decide that completing their mission in Berliza is too risky. They could hold out and wait for reinforcements. There's probably another base nearby."
"Given that they're the vanguard of an invasion, they won't die needlessly. If they can call for reinforcements, they might divide their forces to create a diversion, with another group landing elsewhere."
Though it might be an exaggeration, we couldn't underestimate the enemy. They were well-prepared for a prolonged siege with enough supplies and equipment.
"I want to finish this quickly, Yukari-san."
Indeed. We needed to take the initiative and dictate the pace of the battle, regardless of the enemy's plans. However, it wouldn't be easy.
A large-scale destruction spell could demolish the compound, but the potential collateral damage was prohibitive. This area had high-end warehouses, and the potential damage would be staggering. We would need a more precise approach.
Moreover, a gas attack would likely be ineffective given their setup.
Without the option of widespread destruction or gas, we were left with gradual attrition or a frontal assault.
Luckily, the area had been cleared, so a noisy confrontation wouldn't compromise our covert operation.
Shouldering my Silver Super-Hard Bat, I felt a mix of resolve and fatigue. I decided to take a more straightforward approach.
"...This is Shinogami. Gradena, Leila, any updates?"
Before a reckless rush, I wanted to check on the remaining enemy group.
"Hey, this is Gradena. We can't find a good moment to strike. They're all moving through crowded areas."
"This is Leila. I suspect they've detected our attacks. They've realized they can't contact the other three groups. Their route has changed to avoid people."
"That's to be expected. They're heading to the Noble District, right? Leila, can you guess their objective?"
"Without more information, it's hard to say. They might cause chaos and use it to assassinate or kidnap important figures."
Given their willingness to use extreme tactics, they could attempt any number of devious plans, from assassinations to kidnappings or even indiscriminate terror. For Gulgandi, such actions were justified.
"...We don't know what they'll do. We need to finish them quickly, even if it means being forceful."
"I'm also worried about the main group. Let's finish this fast, Leila."
"Understood."
We should wait for everyone to regroup before making a move. The enemy already knows we're attacking, so a hasty charge would be pointless. They might even be aware of our presence.
"Onee-sama, there's movement at the hideout."
Following my junior's voice, I focused on the distant hideout. At first glance, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
"Valeria, where?"
"It's hard to see, but a slit in the wall has opened."
An attack?
Due to the multiple layers of concealment, the hideout's magical aura was difficult to perceive. Even now, there was no noticeable change in the magic.
Suddenly,
"—Everyone, full defense!"
I finally detected the magic as it was released.
An immense and powerful magical force was rushing towards us.
Surprisingly, it wasn't just from the monitored warehouse but from other unmarked warehouses as well. In total, six powerful magical attacks were launched.
These weren't ordinary spells but large-scale coordinated attacks. Despite the enemy's limited numbers, how did they manage this?
With such an attack, there was no way to keep this covert any longer.