Chapter 99: The Carnela Port Recapture Operation (6)
In the end, it seemed that the food storage facility was nothing but an empty shell. However, all the food it once held had been taken away, and it appeared that several traps, as described by Asumi, were set up in advance by the Republic Army.
It was the demon unit of Karelvo that took the lead in exploring the facility, driven by their thirst for the enemy’s blood. Unfortunately, they fell victim to trap after trap. As a result, reportedly, thirty percent of the advancing demons died. Karelvo’s actions seemed to have caused more harm than necessary, failing to achieve the desired results and only escalating the damages…. He must be hysterically shouting and complaining by now.
After that, similar facilities were discovered with each advance, but there were no soldiers from the Republic Army in any of them. Instead, countless booby traps that didn’t involve any spiritual arts were set up in every facility, making it challenging for the soldiers to disarm them as they tried to investigate.
Sometimes, they failed to disarm them, resulting in explosions, and only one or two facilities were captured without any damage. As a result, the imperial soldiers were unable to find respite under a secure roof, and the burden of fatigue continued to weigh on them.
It was a matter unrelated to us, not being able to seek shelter under a roof. After all, with the robust bodies of demons, the absence of a canopy posed no problem. At first, Tigar and the others weren’t used to such things, but their experiences in enduring the harsh winter in the planted forest had made them resilient in any condition.
“But, all the soldiers of the Republic Army who were in those facilities have withdrawn to Carnela Port. Instead of dispersing their forces, they have called them back to concentrate them inside a single fortress. I can’t help but wonder if the Republic Army is truly determined to face us head-on,”
As we continued our advance, Mika explained his viewpoint to me. Certainly, it seemed they went to great lengths to turn the facilities they had painstakingly built into massive traps filled with enough explosives to reduce them to rubble. It was likely that all the previous personnel inside had been gathered at Carnela Port.
And given the thoroughness of their actions, it was evident that the Republic Army would spare no effort in defending Carnela Port. As a port town located at the southernmost tip of the occupied imperial territory, even I could understand its significance.
Having reaffirmed what was already known in theory, the imperial forces regained the tension that had loosened during their advance. Everyone could feel that the decisive battle was drawing closer with each passing moment.
And so, the Imperial Army reached a vantage point where we could overlook Carnela Port, which we had crossed during our infiltration mission. At that moment, we were taken aback by what we saw. The more one knew about the information brought forth during the infiltration mission, the greater the impact it had.
“Hey, hey, didn’t you guys say that there were only three layers of walls?”
“Looks like there are clearly four…?”
“…Yes. When we infiltrated, there were indeed three layers. It seems they have added another wall in this short period of time.”
Mika responded to the perplexed Tigar and Zald in his usual calm tone. However, there was a slight tremor in his voice, noticeable only for me to take note his agitation. I was also beginning to understand Mika to some extent.
Still, I, too, was astonished. The newly constructed fourth wall was one level lower than the third wall, which should have been the outermost. It appeared to be designed in a way that wouldn’t obstruct attacks from the rear wall.
Moreover, the array of defensive weapons lining the top of the walls conveyed the intention to annihilate any approaching enemy. The intricate shape of the walls seemed meticulously calculated, ensuring that no matter where one tried to climb, they would be targeted by one of the defensive weapons.
It was evident even from a distance that the defense of the Port, which was already formidable, had been further strengthened. There must be various traps and mechanisms in places not visible to the naked eye.
Furthermore, there would be battleship’s… um, was it called artillery bombardment? Coming from the sea. Destroying the battleships by our own means would be essential to increasing the chances of success in the siege. The outcome of the mission honestly didn’t matter, but it directly impacted the survival rate of Tigar and the others. I have to ensure its success, without a doubt.
“Listen up, everyone. We’re establishing our main camp here. I need your help in setting it up,”
Marcellus, who had left to seek further instructions from his superiors, gave out orders as soon as he returned. Under Marcellus’s command, we began setting up our camp at the designated location, pitching tents. After finishing, Marcellus instructed us to wait until further orders and hurriedly left back towards his superiors.
Once Marcellus was gone, everyone went about their own activities. Some tended to their weapons in preparation for battle, while others practiced writing letters on the ground with their fingers. There were groups of women gathering and enjoying lively conversations, as well as gatherings of men gambling as they always did, sometimes wagering their meals.
Mika, who usually remained by my side, had gone towards the wagons to take care of Shuu and Apao during our free time. With no particular tasks or obligations at hand, I found myself sharpening my senses of sight and hearing, curious to investigate what was happening around me.
(Hmm, it seems that Marcellus has gone to a place where spiritual arts are being used. They’re altering the terrain and creating rocks, stacking them up… I guess you could call it a hastily constructed fortress.)
In the central part of the main camp, a building so small that it would be presumptuous to call it a fortress, had been constructed with Spiritual arts, albeit further enhanced. It appeared strong enough to withstand a few cannon shots, and inside it, elaborately decorated armored soldiers were gathering.
Surely, that would be where the top brass operates. It looked safe and enviable. Shouldn’t we also build a similar structure for ourselves? But we didn’t have permission, so it would be best to refrain from doing anything without authorization.
(Something is happening in the rear as well. They’re assembling parts made of wood and metal. Could it be weapons for the siege? Ah, I see. It’s more efficient to transport the parts and assemble them on-site rather than carry finished products. Clever indeed.)
In the southernmost part of the main camp, soldiers were assembling a large-scale weapon. It was quite massive, but it had wheels, indicating that it was meant to be mobile. Moving it seemed like quite a task.
The weapon consisted of several thick barrels resting on a wooden base, big enough for me to fit comfortably inside. It appeared to be a weapon adapted from the self-propelled artillery technology Marcellus had mentioned. I wonder how the Empire would use the Republic’s military technology in the war. The answers would reveal themselves once the battle commenced, so I eagerly anticipated that.
Boom! Boom!
While observing the rear, I heard the sound of cannon fire originating from the direction of Carnela Port. It seemed that the soldiers sent for reconnaissance had been discovered and were under attack. I kept a watchful eye on the situation, but there was no need to worry. They were highly skilled and skillfully used spiritual arts to deflect the cannon fire while retreating.
In the end, the reconnaissance soldiers returned unharmed. It was not only their exceptional abilities but also the lack of determination on the part of the Republic’s forces to ensure that no one returned alive that prevented any casualties. Approaching them would reveal nothing, and from their perspective, they had merely brushed away bothersome insects.
Moreover, it seemed that the Imperial forces had gained some insights. We could now roughly grasp the power and range of their counterfire from the artillery attacks they launched. Of course, there was a possibility for them to increase the firepower or extend the range further. However, both factors likely fell within the margin of error.
Perhaps sensing the commotion, my companions emerged from their tents to assess the situation. They glanced at me with concern, but I shook my head to reassure them. Whether they perceived it as a genuine reassurance or just an attempt to alleviate their worries, they still returned with a sense of relief.
“I’m back now. Both of them seemed a bit down because they couldn’t eat fresh grass.”
Mika returned without making much noise and cheerfully reported back to me about Shuu and Apao’s situation. Mika had developed a special fondness for Shuu and Apao, perhaps due to how the two had provided him with emotional support during his lowest moments. This was evident from the fact that he had even given them names of his own choosing.
Nevertheless, it seemed that those two had a preference for the type of grass they ate. I had always imagined them happily munching on hay (dried grass) … but perhaps they actually preferred fresh grass. Well, there was nothing but harvested wheat stalks and roots around this area. They would have to bear with it.
With that in mind, I crossed my arms and resumed my vigilant stance, scanning the surroundings. That’s when I noticed Marcellus and Decius approaching us. Soon after, the other demons seemed to take notice as well, and they stepped out of their tents before lining up.
“Ah, good to see you all relaxed. Listen up. We will launch our attack on Carnela Port starting tomorrow at noon. Until then, gather your spirits and remain focused. However, be prepared for night patrols. Any questions… doesn’t seem like it.”
The moment of Carnela Port recapture operation was drawing near. I must survive to fulfill my mission. With those thoughts in mind, I clenched my fists in determination.
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