Chapter 8 - Ranged Warfare
"Fire!"
The surge had temporarily halted, and now a chaotic crowd of Capros formed in front of the Saka Mogue. When the commanding officer gave the signal, a barrage of colorful attack spells descended upon them. A few seemed particularly formidable, as the air crackled with the power of their immense magic. I wish I could study them more closely.
After the thunderous explosions and blinding light, the landscape had been transformed into a charred wasteland. The hill that once stood there had been gouged out, leaving a massive crater.
"Wow, that's incredible... I didn't know they could do that."
Taken aback by the sheer force of the attack, I couldn't help but murmur my thoughts. An officer who had been stationed nearby suddenly appeared beside me, responding to my musings.
"Indeed. With the power of those mages, we might just survive this. Your barricade was impressive, too."
"But that crater was unexpected. Even if it took several people, the sheer power is beyond what I imagined. Maybe I underestimated them."
"Life is full of surprises. Look, it's not over yet. More Capros are coming. With the hill gone, we can see the reality of the situation more clearly."
As the officer had pointed out, the improved visibility revealed a disheartening sight. The horizon was filled with a continuous stream of Capros. However, there seemed to be a slight break before the next wave.
The mages who had used the large-scale spells seemed to be taking a break. Even they couldn't unleash such powerful attacks continuously.
I guess it's my turn to take the stage. Once the Capros reach the crater, I'll start my assault. I'll get a good workout.
By the way, gauntlets are a bit of a hindrance for throwing. I'll take them off, even though I was given them as a favor.
The excitement from the magic and the Capros had thrown me off, but I'm starting to calm down. Phew, I need to take a deep breath and steady myself.
Throwing objects to inflict damage on a large group. No matter how powerful the projectiles, anything I can hold in my hand won't cause significant damage to a horde. Even something as dense as tungsten wouldn't make much of a difference, let alone compare to those large-scale spells.
But the reason I forced myself into the front line of the defense was that I had a plan for large-scale destruction. After all, this is a fantasy world. There's no need to stick to known minerals and metals.
There's a perfect mineral for this situation—Nova Ore. When subjected to great pressure, it explodes. It's incredibly dense, and the scale of its explosions is considerable. However, it's so rare that there are hardly any samples or recorded explosions, leading some to doubt its existence.
Well, if it doesn't work, it doesn't. My motto is to try anyway. Anything is possible if you try. I'll approach this with enthusiasm and let my fighting spirit take over.
I effortlessly generated a small piece of the rare Nova Ore in my palm. Its color was as mysterious as labradorite, and it had a substantial weight. It was several times heavier than iron, but in my enhanced state, it felt just right.
I might be a bit monstrous, but seeing Zenobia down there with a massive sword on her back, I realize this isn't so unusual.
According to the records, Nova Ore requires an immense amount of pressure to explode. This is a concern. How much pressure is enough?
If I throw it at supersonic speeds, the air resistance might cause it to explode. Even if it doesn't, will the impact be enough to trigger the explosion?
What should I do? I'll just have to test it out.
"Hey! I'm going to test this, so everyone stay back! Be careful of the shockwave—it could be deadly! Here it goes!"
I loudly warned everyone on and below the wall. This is my first time using enhanced strength for throwing, so I'm not sure how powerful it will be.
Once I confirmed no one was nearby, I made my first test throw.
"Hurl!"
Even with just an overarm throw, it felt powerful. I'd love to spin and throw a tornado, but there's not enough space here.
The moment it left my hand, a shockwave ruffled my hair.
Boom!
The impossible speed and the resulting explosion were devastating. This is some serious speed... I think it's as powerful as a tank shell.
But did it even explode?
The result wasn't what I expected. The impact on the ground wasn't enough to trigger the explosion.
—Maybe I need to try something else.
As I considered this, the Capros were almost at the crater. I had to improvise.
"Keep your distance! Everyone below, move to the side until the Capros get closer! I don't want anyone caught in the blast!"
I declared this unilaterally and prepared to throw. It's a crazy, reckless plan, but my skills and magic give me confidence.
From my test, I have a better feel for it. I can do this.
The skill's power is incredible. It makes my body move with perfect efficiency, instinctively. I can hit any target within range with absolute precision, accounting for wind, gravity, and even the Coriolis effect.
If I had explained this, they probably would have stopped me, but it's too late now.
"Hellfire No. 1, go!"
I threw the Nova Ore in a high, arcing trajectory toward the crater.
"Hellfire No. 2, full speed ahead! Here it goes!"
I immediately focused and threw the second one at the predicted impact point of the first.
Just before release, I reshaped the Nova Ore into a streamlined, armor-piercing projectile for greater stability.
The plan was to collide the two Nova Ores over the heads of the Capros. This was an insane maneuver no one else could pull off.
The two Nova Ores collided at supersonic speed.
Crack! Boom!
A blinding flash and a deafening explosion far beyond my expectations.
"...Really?"
Not just me, everyone was stunned.
This was as powerful as the large-scale magic attack from before.
Well, I guess I can praise myself for this, right? I did a good job, didn't I?
Oh no, my adrenaline is pumping!
"Ha, ha, ha, ha! Come at me! I'll turn you all into charcoal, you beasts!"
The dust and smoke made it hard to see, but more Capros were coming.
Generating the ore doesn't cost much mana. I can keep going!
Someone must have used a wind spell to clear the smoke. Good job, whoever it was!
I continued to throw Nova Ore, create explosions, and let the wind spells clear the air. The cycle repeated: the Capros would regroup, I'd throw, they'd scatter, and the cycle would start again.
I was in high spirits, but the melee fighters looked bored, and the mages seemed a bit deflated.
The Capros kept coming, so I'd hand over when I got tired or bored. For now, they could rest.
How long had it been?
I was starting to feel a bit fatigued. I needed a break. My mana, stamina, and morale were all draining.
Since I had been handling everything, everyone else was in standby mode. Maybe I overdid it. I needed to re-energize them.
The density of the Capros seemed to be thinning slightly.
Perfect timing for a shift.
"Change!"
I shouted, and everyone looked at me with confusion. They were too relaxed.
"Switch! I need a break!"
They seemed to have been expecting a chance to fight, but now they looked doubtful.
The commander snapped them out of it.
"Get to your positions! The battle isn't over! The next wave is coming! Don't count on Yukarinowe's support anymore!"
Gradually, everyone started to regain their focus.
I wasn't completely done, but I'd let them take over for a while.
"I'm tired."
"You overdid it. I thought you were going to handle everything yourself."
At the healer's station, Rosabel-san greeted me.
Luckily, there hadn't been much actual fighting yet, so the healers were idle.
"I wish, but it doesn't seem like it's ending anytime soon."
"Actually, the number of Capros is clearly decreasing. It should be over by sundown."
"That's good to know."
"By the way, what did you throw to cause those explosions?"
Given the effect, it was bound to be a topic of interest. I'd have to explain to the director and staff later too.
The best way to explain was to show them, so I created a small piece of Nova Ore and handed it over.
"Here. It's called Nova Ore. Have you heard of it?"
"No, I haven't. It has a mysterious color and is quite heavy."
Even a small piece is quite dense. Rosabel-san examined its weight and color with interest.
"It's a rare mineral that explodes when subjected to a strong impact."
"Explosive? That sounds dangerous."
"It requires an extraordinary impact, so it's not very dangerous in normal use."
"I see. Still, being able to create such a rare mineral so easily is quite convenient."
"Indeed. Using it in practice, I feel there are many more possibilities."
"True. Magic is about imagination. Unfortunately, it will be sealed again after the battle, but considering its potential is beneficial. Good luck, young one."
"Thanks. I might need your advice again."
"Anytime. Here, special potions for stamina and mana recovery."
She handed me vials of the potions.
"Wow, thanks. If you made them, they should be effective."
"They are, but they won't restore your spirit. Take a short rest after drinking them. The battle isn't over yet."
"You're right. Thanks."
I was thirsty, so I drank the potion immediately. The fatigue left me almost instantly. It must have been the stamina potion.
I finished it and drank the mana potion as well. Neither had a distinct taste, but it was like clear, refreshing water.
I already felt ready to fight again.
"Lay low. Your mind is more exhausted than you realize."
I took the advice and decided to rest.
" Wake me if anything happens."
"Understood."
I took off my equipment and laid down. I hadn't engaged in close combat, which was a bit disappointing.
Maybe it'll be over when I wake up.
I really wanted to see Zenobia in action, though. I'll take a short nap and then go check it out.