Lt. Colonel Renvel-dono———— He was the one in command of a few dozen kilometers from the center to the north of the nearly 100-kilometer war front.
He's one of Austin's most famous commanders and the direct superior of Platoon Leader Garback.
Being the lowly foot soldier that I am, I have never seen his face, but I heard that he's a veteran among veterans who have been in command of the army since before the war started.
This time, we will be fighting under the command of this great command... All orders from him will come through Platoon Leader Garback though, so in the end, we will just be fighting like usual.
[Lt. Colonel's orders, we're going to build a defense grid on the 3rd defense line.]
[Understood.]
Entrenchments are basically built along defense lines. The 1st defense line is the frontmost trench, with the 2nd defense line going after that.
If the opponent's offensive can be pushed back on the 1st defense line, it's a complete victory for us. Things being settled in the 2nd defense line gives the impression of a painstakingly fought battle.
After the enemy offensive starts, guerilla soldiers like us would come to cover those near our perimeter, so it's rare that the 3rd defense line is taken.
[If the defense units do their job, we ourselves wouldn't need to move.]
[The enemy has been relying on numbers lately, charging with incredible force. I'm worried they might break through and reach the 2nd defense line again.]
[All the progress we've made so far...]
In building this defense grid, my role as a Medic———— isn't quite clear.
The only advantage of having a medic in this location is that they can treat wounded soldiers on the front lines.
After all, if you are wounded on this defense line near the rear, one can simply have your wounded carried to the field hospital in the rear.
In this way, they would receive more authentic treatment than a rookie like me would provide, so I don't understand the significance of my existence here.
I would just pointlessly take up space, only getting in the others' way.
[Touri's role is to rescue me and heal me if, by any chance, something happens to me. If that "by any chance" doesn't happen, then stay huddled in the hole and tremble over there.]
[...Yes, Platoon Leader.]
Given Platoon Leader's remarks, even he himself was clearly wondering why he had brought me here.
If I were forced to find a reason for my existence here, it would be more of a safety device to slightly reduce the possibility of Platoon Leader Garback's death.
[Enemy assault units advancing!]
A few hours later.
The attack by the Mage Squad was over, and the enemies charged forward.
From what I saw through Allen-san's scouting scopes, it was clear that their assault force was denser than ours.
I guess this is what they meant by relying on numbers.
[Ah. The 1st defense line has already been breached.]
[...Tsk.]
Within an hour of the start of their assault, we were informed that the frontmost line had been breached.
In other words, the soldiers on the frontmost line were either dead or taken prisoner.
[Geez, at least put up a fight. Are they underestimating our desperate assaults?]
[....]
Platoon Leader Garback looked displeased.
I knew this would be the case, but Platoon Leader really didn't seem concerned about the defense units.
Heck, he even clicked his tongue at them, letting out complaints.
[It seems like the 2nd defense line will also be breached soon. Platoon Leader, please get ready.]
[What!? Kah, even though they're assaulting in the middle of the rain, they're too fast. Are our defense units only filled with spineless wimps?]
[...Rather than the problem being them, it seems that the troops they're facing were quite well-trained. They are rushing in at a tremendous rate ahead of the rest of the enemies.]
The troops ahead of us are advancing at a tremendous pace.
Hearing Allen-san's report, Platoon Leader Garback's eyebrows twitched.
The displeased expression suddenly changes, and his lips warp into a grin.
[Hou? What does their commander look like?]
[A short spear-user with long golden hair, rushing forward clad in thunder.]
[Oh, that's good. They're delivering a high-ranking officer's head to me.]
The Platoon Leader seemed to be in a good mood, as he took the scouting scopes from Allen-san.
Then, he checked the enemy's face with his own eyes and smirked.
[There's no doubting it, that's Kamikiri.]
[Kamikiri...?]
[He's an enemy ace. Unlucky b*stard, purposely charging into the defense grid where I lurk.]
Platoon Leader Garback's eyes moved ferociously.
Ace. In other words, someone just like "Platoon Leader Garback" was among the enemy troops huh.
[It's because it's raining that his Lightning Magic is so effective huh.]
[His charges are quick, but he's also quick to retreat. We need to reduce his mobility———— and aim for his legs.]
[Please leave it to us.]
[Alright, all hands aim for the legs. After I try to draw their attention, support me when I jump out to fight. Then, we'll be taking his head.]
What a meritorious deed it will be, reaping off a high-ranking official's head. Seemingly having such a thought in mind, the Platoon Leader clearly looked itchy with joy.
It looked as if the bad mood he had before was a lie.
As for myself, I was just disheartened to hear that the enemy troop that was charging at us had an Ace among them.
[Today's a lucky day!]
The Squad Leader, who is pleased that a strong enemy has come to kill him, really is insane.
[Touri, you just stick your head out of the trench and keep your eyes on my back. If something should happen to me, use Healing Magic from behind without hesitation. Allen, while remaining vigilant of my surroundings, if I am injured, jump out and rescue me back to the trench for protection. Marrue, if that situation happens, you are to rush towards Kaminari and stall for time.]
[ [ Understood. ] ]
[The rest of you lot, stay in the trench and fight back against the rest of the enemy. Don't let even a single of them step into the trench.]
The Platoon Leader gave me the order to stick my head out of the trench.
If I were a Scout, I would have been provided with a scouting scope that could just extend upwards, but I wasn't provided with one.
With my head above the trench unprotected, I wonder if I could end up getting shot?
[Don't worry, there won't be any bullets flying behind me.]
[Yes, I will be in your care.]
To be honest, I'm scared, but if it's an order from the Platoon Leader, I don't have any choice.
The sad reality is that I would rather die under orders than be shot for violating an order.
[Platoon Leader! The enemies will be charging at us shortly!]
[ALRIGHT!!!]
At Allen-san's signal, Platoon Leader Garback vigorously rushed up the trench.
[THANK YOU FOR COMING ALL THE WAY OUT IN THE RAIN TO GET YOURSELF KILLED!!!]
I watched over Platoon Leader Garback's back as instructed. Splattered with black mud, he cut down bullets as he closed in on the enemy general through the shortest distance possible.
[—————!]
Caught completely off-guard, even though he managed to evade Platoon Leader's assault, the enemy spearman loses balance.
Not wanting to miss his chance, Platoon Leader Garback drew his sword and cut deeply into the spearman.
As a fierce exchange of blows ensued, the spearman was seen to be wounded in the leg by the platoon members' covering fire.
If things keep going like this, it looks like Platoon Leader Garback will win.
——————-"It looks like", that is.
I caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of my eye.
Far beyond the area where Platoon Leader Garback engaged the enemy general, it was the sight of someone firing a gun somewhere.
Concentrating on the enemy directly in front of you, while keeping an eye on the movement at the edge of your field of vision. That was an essential skill I learned from playing FPS.
Especially when it directly affects one's life.
...Grenadiers.
Just now, the grenadiers have definitely launched something into the trench where we were hiding.
[Ahhh———-!!!]
My thoughts were caught in a whirlwind of chaos.
In less than a second, something launched by the enemy would fall right in the middle of our platoon.
If that happens, everyone will die———–
[What's the matter, Touri, did you get shot!?]
[...
Although unauthorized by Platoon Leader, I quickly invoked my Defense Magic.
Rather, I don't have the time to seek permission from him.
[Eh? Wait, Touri———–]
[Take cover!]
My actions at this time could be described as completely selfless. Looking back, I can only say that it was foolish.
I was so intent on protecting myself from the shrapnel that I formed an imperfect
If it had been a fuse-type——— in other words, a grenade that detonates on impact, I would have been scorched black.
Fortunately, however, the grenade thrown at us wasn't the type that detonates on impact, but the type that detonates on a timer.
I was later told that most of the hand grenades thrown by hand are of the type that detonates on impact, while grenades ejected by special guns are of the timed type so that they don't accidentally explode.
[G- Grenade!?]
[Take cover!]
The grenade that bounced off my magic
However, we were still within the blast zone. If things continue like this, we wouldn't escape serious injury.
[Make it in time,
Without a moment's delay, I used Defense Magic to shield myself and the platoon members from the rolling hand grenade.
It's a fragile shield that can't possibly withstand the blast at such close range, but it's much better than doing nothing.
[Touri-chan, that's dangerous!!!]
Immediately after completing the
I was slammed onto the floor of the trench, hitting my head, with Salsa-kun on top of me.
Immediately after that, there was an explosion that almost cracked my ears and a flash of light that made my vision go blank...
[...Ah?]
Inhaling air scorching with heat, along with a tremendous shock, my whole body starts to ache.
After a few seconds of delay, I realized that me and Salsa had been caught in the flames.
[YOU D*MNED SLIPPERY EEL!!!]
As my consciousness faded in and out from the intense ringing in my ears and the pounding headache, I could hear in the distance the furious voice of Platoon Leader Garback.
[DON'T RUN AWAY, TRASH! BITCH!!!]
I slowly opened my eyes to find myself lying on my back on the edge of the trench, covered in mud.
The rain pouring down from the sky felt like needles pricking my skin.
[You alive, Second Class Medic Touri!?]
[Oi, get a hold of yourself!]
It seemed that I had been blown several meters by the blast and tumbled on the ground.
Luckily, the rain-dampened soil cushioned my body, and I was able to avoid fatal injuries but....
I felt a burning pain in both of my legs.
[That's a terrible burn, it doesn't feel like you can properly stand anymore. Oi, are you conscious?]
[Yes, umm, what happened to me?]
[Your legs are red and swollen, but you don't have any severe wounds. You're not dead yet, so hold on and stay strong.]
The surroundings gradually become clearer. Realizing there was mud and mucus in my mouth, I involuntarily choked.
[FREAKING SH*THEAD!!! THE COWARD FREAKING RAN AWAY!]
As I gradually regained awareness, the Platoon Leader, looking very angry, returned to the trench.
It seemed that he hadn't been able to take out the enemy Ace.
[Moreover, everyone got considerable injuries. Wound small fries should just retreat!]
[Auu...]
The Platoon Leader gave his orders.
[Comee, relax, Touri-chan. It will be alright, I'll carry you.]
[Thank you... very... much.]
I was carried by Grey-senpai, who was almost unharmed.
And at last, I was able to survey the situation around me.
The phrase "battered and bruised" truly fits the situation the Garback Platoon is currently in: someone staggering with severe burns on their left side, another collapsed on the ground, twitching.
[P- Please... wait... That man... needs treatment———]
I realized that the man lying face down in the trench, convulsing, was dying.
His back was burnt black, experiencing frequent convulsions, and his breathing was becoming erratic.
[If he isn't treated now, he will————]
[...Yeah. It's already too late for him, Touri-chan.]
Nevertheless, Grey-senpai, carrying me behind his back, walked away.
It can never be too late. As long as one's still breathing, they still have hope for life. With proper emergency treatment, we can still...
[Allen-senpai, please show her his face.]
[...Yeah.]
There, Allen-senpai gently turned the face of the person lying face down towards us.
Expressly making him easy for me to see, Allen-senpai raised the man's body up.
[————-Salsa-kun?]
The soldier was Salsa-kun.
The one who had pushed me down to the ground to protect me during the explosion, ending up being hit by the blast at close range, was Salsa-kun.
[...He was hit in the face by the grenade frags from the explosion. There's no way he's going to make it.]
[He did a great job, allow him rest.]
His face had a large crack from his right eye to the back of his head. At the same time as his face was raised, reddish-black brain plasma spilled out onto the ground.
[...Sal...]
All of a sudden, before I could finish calling out his name...
Salsa-kun's body greatly springs up for a moment, only to never move again.