Konbini Ossan Volume 5 Chapter 17 — The Current War Situation
Caught off guard by the unexpected reunion, I asked the two of them a question.
“What are you both doing here?”
“Actually, one of the Demon King’s Four Heavenly Kings has apparently advanced into this region. So Saori and I were deployed here.”
“I see, so that’s why.”
I had heard that the four who possessed Hero titles were frequently dispatched to battlefields across the land. This must have been one of those cases.
“Hero-dono, you knew Otsugi-dono?”
“Yes. Otsugi-san has been supporting us.”
“Is that so…”
The middle-aged man speaking with Kanehama — most likely Colonel Gavein — turned to face me.
“Welcome, Otsugi-dono. I am Gavein Baldwin, the commanding officer of this base.”
He offered his hand with a smile.
“Thank you for allowing us to inspect the base. I am Yuichi Otsugi. And this young lady is Arisa Mikimoto. She's my assistant.”
After exchanging a firm handshake, Colonel Gavein immediately got to the main point.
“We were just about to discuss operational matters with the heroes. If possible, I would like you to join us as well.”
“Is that alright?”
“Yes. The breakthrough unit that uses the High-Frequency Blades you developed will be directly involved. I’d like to hear the developer’s opinions.
…
And in turn, I can give you feedback from those using them in actual combat. It benefits both sides.”
That would certainly save time.
Still, was it really fine for an outsider like me to hear their strategy?
“Judging from your face, you’re wondering if it’s alright for you to know the details of the operation?”
“Well… something like that.”
“There’s no reason to doubt someone recommended by Lady Marceline. Besides, we owe you for your magic tools. Thanks to them, many lives were saved. Why would we suspect you of being a spy?”
“But increasing the number of people who know the plan means—”
“Hahaha. Even if it leaked, it’s not a complicated plan. We’re simply confirming a straightforward, common-sense operation and aligning our understanding.”
I still wasn’t fully convinced, but if Colonel Gavein insisted it was fine, then so be it.
We all took seats and waited for Colonel Gavein to begin.
“Now then. First, let us address the main reason the heroes were summoned here. Until recently, this base had seen only small skirmishes with the Demon King’s forces and remained relatively peaceful.
…
However, things changed about half a month ago. The forces that had been launching scattered attacks along the border have gradually begun gathering around this region.
…
This is likely a reaction to the introduction of the breakthrough unit that uses your High-Frequency Blades. But the important part lies elsewhere.”
He pointed to a location on the large map spread across the table.
“The Demon King’s forces are concentrating here. Their troops consist mainly of undead, demon-type monsters, and spirit-type monsters.
…
Because of that composition, we feared a certain possibility and sent a reconnaissance unit. As a result, we confirmed the presence of Avalon, the Elder Wraith — one of the Four Heavenly Kings.
…
He is most likely the one directing this concentration of forces.”
Elder Wraith — the superior form of the wraith, which itself was already capable of destroying a city.
One such monster commanding an army of lesser ones… The danger was incalculable. Immediate action was clearly required.
“As for why they chose this timing and this base… there are several possibilities. First, this base has far less recent battle experience compared to the other front-line positions.
…
Our combat strength isn’t low, but in terms of actual engagement history, we lag behind. The enemy may have intentionally kept attacks light here while preparing for an all-out assault.”
“In other words, the long period of scattered attacks may have been preparation for striking this base, correct?”
“Exactly, Hero-dono.”
Colonel Gavein nodded and continued.
“If this base falls, the Demon King’s army will be able to charge straight into Waynesvale — the largest grain-producing region in our kingdom.
…
Should Waynesvale suffer war damage, the loss would be immeasurable.”
Logistics were vital. If Waynesvale, the kingdom’s main source of food, took significant damage, supply shortages would cripple the military.
The overall fighting strength would drop sharply.
“And from this base, several mountain ranges block direct routes to our major cities. However, the Demon King’s army includes dragons, wyverns, and many forest-dwelling monsters like goblins and orcs.
…
With such troops, they could bypass the terrain and strike any major city directly. In other words, this base could become the perfect staging ground for an invasion.”
“I see. So for the Demon King’s army, taking this base would give them a convenient foothold no matter where they plan to attack next.”
“Exactly. Of course, that’s why we station more than twice as many soldiers here as at other front-line bases, and nearby cities have standing orders to send knight detachments in emergencies.
…
Even so, against a Four Heavenly King and an army of monsters gathered from across the region all attacking at once… it’s hard to say whether we can hold.”
Listening to the conversation between Kanehama and the colonel, it was clear that this base was under immense pressure.
Now that I understood the general situation, the question was:
What strategy did they intend to use to counter this?
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E/N:
What's the difference between a Lich and Wraith? Just a random question! Stay tuned!
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