"Yesterday, we identified the hideout of a group of bandits numbering around 200. They have occupied abandoned houses in the city and are living by creating their own infrastructure."
Sylph explained this in front of the gathered subordinates.
"Though there are about 200 of them, women and children are included in that number. Their actual combat strength is likely less than a 100."
"…If there are women and children there, does that mean they are former civilians as well?"
"That is correct. We have confirmed that the enemy has repeatedly committed acts of plunder in order to secure daily food supplies."
This time, the Sylph Company was given the order to subdue the bandits occupying the city.
However, in most cases, bandits will surrender simply by being surrounded and having guns pointed at them.
They quickly give up, knowing they can't win against the regular army.
"But this time, the enemy this time are quite numerous. There are reports that they have properly constructed a defense network at their hideout. The possibility of resistance is high."
"…"
"Everyone, prepare for combat and approach this mission with determination."
However, it was estimated that the scale of this enemy was quite large, almost equal to Sylph Company.
Thus, it would be difficult to suppress them by simply leveraging a difference in strength as usual.
"Sylph-sama, wouldn't it be better to wait for other allies to return and gather more forces before deploying?"
"The longer we leave the bandits alone, the more damage they will cause. When that happens, the number of new bandits will increase. Don't worry, victory will come easily under my command."
"…"
"We must strike the bandits as soon as we find them. Protect the unharmed villagers and strike down those who have fallen into banditry. There's no other way."
This headquarters doesn't have an infinite number of soldiers.
I wasn't told, but it was probably a tight situation with bandits appearing everywhere.
In fact, at that time, the majority of the soldiers available for action were away fighting bandits, and only Sylph Company was able to move.
"By the way, Sylph-sama, regarding the use of Touri Lowe…"
"If what she said is true, then this woman has experience as a member of an assault unit. Gorski's unit is made up of a bunch of rookies, so I wanted to place an experienced soldier there."
Well, I can understand the idea of eliminating the bandits as quickly as possible, even if there is some risk."
The question is why I, a medic, would be included in Mr. Gorski's assault force.
"Touri is a medic."
"She's not just a medic, but someone with actual combat experience. Touri Lowe is apparently on good terms with Gorski, so it's perfect."
Sylph mentioned combat experience, but my infantry experience is barely above a rookie level.
If deployed as infantry, I wouldn't measure up to any of the new recruits around here.
Elijah also protested to Sylph.
"Well, don't worry, I'll make sure to support you properly."
"…Understood. I'll go greet Mr. Gorski then."
"Go on then."
Facing a resolute Sylph with no sign of backing down, I had no choice but to agree.
I'm an outsider, a medic from Austin. It's only natural that I won't be treated with much care.
"I've already spoken to Gorski. Well, do your best."
Perhaps I was being sent to the front lines to conveniently get rid of an Austinite like me.
While I looked at her with a look of resignation, Sylph Nova looked at me with an expectant expression.
***
"You've been given a reckless mission, Aust."
"I agree, Mr. Gorski."
However…
There was another intention behind her placing me under Mr. Gorski.
"Rest assured. Now that you're in my unit, I'll make sure you come back alive."
"…Thank you. I'll be counting on you."
When I was assigned to the unit of the Golden Hero, Gorski.
I felt a small sense of unease.
"Well, don't worry. Although I may not look like it, I'm quite strong."
Even after losing an arm, he held his spear with a commanding presence.
Normally, Mr. Gorski is a very straightforward and cheerful person.
"Um, Mr. Gorski…"
"What is it?"
"No, it's nothing. I'm sorry."
But on that day, he had a shadowy aura, as if he were hiding something.
I understood the reason when we arrived at the enemy hideout and prepared to launch our assault.
"It's really the front lines…."
"What's the matter, Touri?"
We were positioned on the far left front line of the army.
Gorski's unit consisted of about 10 men, about the same size as Garback Platoon.
Along with me, a medic, the unit included new recruits such as scouts and grenadiers, covering various military specialties.
"Now then, gentlemen. Our orders as the Gorski Platoon is to engage in guerrilla warfare."
"Guerrilla warfare?"
Peering at the enemy hideout from behind cover, it looked like a small fortress.
Barbed wire was set up all around the ruins of the city, and barricades were set up behind them, with three levels of trenches built behind them.
Breaking through this with a single platoon will be a daunting task.
"Do you understand the meaning of the order 'guerrilla warfare?"
"This is an order to observe the enemy's actions and deal with them flexibly."
"That's roughly correct."
The bandits are aware of our attack, and some of them with guns were already hiding in the trenches.
They must be eagerly waiting for us to attack.
"The battlefield situation changes every few seconds. Our unit must sense these changes and act accordingly."
"Yes, Platoon Leader Gorski."
"I have a fair amount of experience. With that trust, I have been given the authority to make on-site decisions."
Gorski Platoon was given the right by Sylph to "independently assess the situation and take action."
Recognizing Mr. Gorski's status as an ace, she had given her permission.
"Survey the battlefield and make the best decisions. …Now then, everyone, speak up if you have any suggestions for our initial moves."
The platoon members gulped upon hearing this.
They were probably surprised by the order to decide on the spot what action to take and act on it.
It's rare that a single platoon is given such extraordinary authority.
"Even I am not omnipotent. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please feel free to speak up."
Soldiers generally act based on orders from higher-ups, especially new recruits.
Being suddenly told to act freely left them confused.
────But the moment I heard that order…
"Then, we should take the lead, Mr. Gorski."
"Hmm?"
The gallant man in front of me, emitting a guilty aura, and the puzzling authority Sylph had given this platoon—all of it made sense.
"I suggest we charge at the enemy in front of us as soon as our allies are in position."
"H-Hey! What are you saying, Aust!"
"We're supposed to be guerrilla fighters!"
Ah, this is utterly ridiculous.
This briefing was, to put it simply, a farce.
"What is the reason for that, Touri?"
"Isn't it Mr. Gorski who knows the reason best?"
There's no way the meticulous Sylph would allow her subordinates to act on their own.
And there's no way she'd assign Mr. Gorski, with his exceptional assault capabilities, to guerrilla tactics.
"Looking at our allies' formations, the starting line of the offensive is probably Gorski Platoon, isn't it?"
"…"
"I believe Captain Sylph's true order was to 'lead the charge'".
This was essentially a test from Sylph.
"Our position is the only one from where we can safely fire grenades into the enemy trenches while remaining concealed. There's no better place to break through the barbed wire and launch the assault."
"Hmm."
"Furthermore, two reinforced platoons have been deployed adjacent to us. This must be to ensure they can secure the breach in the enemy's defenses caused by our attack."
From the beginning, Gorski Platoon was meant to be the vanguard. It was clear the moment they were deployed here.
Sylph probably wanted her subordinates to observe the battlefield and think for themselves, rather than just blindly following orders.
That's why she had Mr. Gorski relay the false role of "guerrilla fighters."
"…Indeed, you are correct. The mission assigned to us by Captain Sylph is to lead the charge."
"I see."
How can you all let an Aust out think you? You guys should try to read your surroundings better."
Sylph also focused on training her subordinates.
She's definitely not someone you want as an enemy. If she grows, she will certainly become a formidable foe for Austin.
I found myself thinking such things faintly.
Ah, how naive of me.
At this point, I still greatly underestimated her.
I would soon understand the meaning of her words, "Victory will come easily under my command."
***
"That's the sound of artillery. Everyone, get into combat positions."
"Yes,"
At 11 a.m., the offensive began as planned.
On the opposite side of our position, in the right flank, intense preparatory bombardment commenced.
Taking the sound of artillery fire as a signal, Gorski Platoon launched grenades into the trench ahead and began our assault.
"Hmm…?"
"What's the matter, Touri?"
Mr. Gorski was clearly still in his prime.
The bandits, surprised by our sudden assault amidst the ongoing bombardment, were slow to respond.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, the hero fired an electric shock from his spear at the bandits, neutralizing the enemies in the trench one by one.
It was a magnificent sight, reminiscent of the former Platoon Leader Garback.
"We can push further."
"What?"
"We can still cut deeper into the enemy trenches. The soldiers in the trenches in front of us have not positioned fast enough."
However, I was more focused on the gaping hole in the enemy's defenses ahead of us.
"No matter how you look at it, the enemy's cover is too slow."
"What?"
"…Could it be Captain Sylph?"
That gap in the defenses would close within a minute.
Only a few amateurish bandits were holding the front trench we had secured.
Beyond that, I could see bandits hurriedly trying to take their positions.
In other words, a hole that can only be pierced at this very moment─
"I propose we advance further, Mr. Gorski!"
"What?"
Sylph had conducted the preparatory bombardment from a hill visible to the enemy.
This likely caused the enemy to concentrate their reserves on the right flank.
To make the most of our surprise attack.
"Captain Sylph is telling us not to miss this moment!"
She had positioned two reinforced platoons nearby, deliberately securing our rear.
So, now, we don't need to worry about our back.
Sylph must have anticipated this from the beginning, expecting us to push further.
"We can secure the second trench. If we do that, the battle will tip in our favor—"
As we cut deeper, the Sabbath Army adapted like a wave.
Shouts of "Charge!" echoed from the opposite side of the bombardment, pinning down the enemy's defensive forces.
Sylph's main force began advancing, delaying the enemy reinforcements to our breach.
Her maneuvering was chaotic, disrupting the bandit's defensive units.
It was unmistakably support for us.
"The second trench is secured. The bandits are retreating in panic."
"Good. Touri, let's stop here for now. I'm sure the others will arrive soon if we hold this position."
As expected, the enemy was inexperienced and was helplessly subdued by Mr. Gorski who charged at them.
With this, we were able to secure the second trench with almost no damage. Up to this point, the operation was a great success.
"You have incredible situational awareness, Touri. You've got a good eye."
"It was a bit dangerous, though."
However, as a result, we had advanced too far ahead of the frontline.
Gorski judged that any further advance would be dangerous.
My own intuition was also telling me the same.
That should be enough. Let's focus on holding the base.
"…"
"What's wrong, Touri?"
The moment I looked beyond the third trench with this thought in mind, an enormous explosion rang out.
"Magic bombardment from behind? Even though we're advancing?!"
"Everyone, get down!"
Our allied Sabbatian force had fired from behind, causing a massive explosion on the right side of the third trench.
The enemy reinforcements that had rushed to the scene were caught in the blast, screaming in agony before falling silent.
"Ugh, is she trying to kill us?! That Sylph is so dangerous—"
"Let's rush straight into the trench at 10 o'clock, Mr. Gorski!"
All the puzzle pieces were coming together.
The endgame Sylph Nova had painted on this battlefield was gradually becoming clear.
"We can advance."
Magic bombardment is typically used before an assault.
This is because the aim of artillery from this era is notoriously inaccurate, and it was easy for the aim to be off by several meters at long distances.
Under no circumstances should you fire near your allies in the middle of an assault.
"Calm down, Touri. Advancing further and isolating ourselves from our allies is too risky."
"No, look. There's the goal over there."
But this time, our artillery fired from a much closer position.
That's why they could aim more accurately, ensuring they didn't hit us while targeting the enemy.
Yes, Sylph had pushed the magic artillery units to the very front line.
────That was possible because we had secured the second trench.
Securing the second trench forced the enemy's primary defense units to retreat.
If they didn't withdraw, they would be flanked and pinned from behind through the second trench.
As a result, there was no longer any interference from the enemy trenches, and our magic artillery unit on the left flank was able to move forward.
────This move was only possible if Sylph had anticipated our successful capture of the second trench.
At this time, reinforcements for the bandits were hastily moving in from the right.
They hadn't expected us to reach the third trench so quickly.
Just as the defenders of the third trench were about to take up position in the third trench, our artillery obliterated them.
The enemy probably did not expect to be bombarded while they were getting into position.
─────In other words, the third line of defense at the front is currently unoccupied.
And beyond that trench,
"The residential area…"
"It's the houses of the bandits' non-combatants. It looks like their headquarters is located there, too."
The enemy's weak spot was exposed.
It felt eerie, unsettling.
This wasn't a battlefield.
"We've reached the enemy residential area! The commander's position is likely on the roof of that house overlooking the whole area."
"Certainly, there are soldiers here."
The gunfire from behind us stopped the moment we reached the residential area.
The bandits didn't have the courage to fire into the area where their own families lived.
"Uooooooh!"
Mr. Gorski let out a roar and charged towards the house that looked to be their headquarters.
Following behind him, Gorski Platoon also charged in.
"You're the leader, aren't you?"
"H-Hiiiii!"
The defense near the residential area was minimal. They hadn't anticipated a breach this far.
As a result, we managed to capture the enemy headquarters without a single casualty.
"I-I get it. We surrender, we can't win against you!"
"Very well."
The bandits at their headquarters lost their will to fight upon seeing the legendary ace, Gorski, in action.
After securing the headquarters, their leader declared that they would surrender.
This happened just 16 minutes after the battle began.
"…You have incredible observation skills, Touri. I'm sure Sylph will praise you."
"No…"
It couldn't have been any better; it was a complete victory.
With almost no casualties on either side, we managed to suppress the leader and vital points of the bandits, forcing them to surrender.
It was an ideal victory, just like in a manga or a game.
────We were made to achieve such a victory.
This isn't my achievement.
I only read the battlefield and acted appropriately.
The trench in front of me was thinly defended, so I charged in.
The enemy's weak spot was left wide open, so we took control.
That's all.
Normally, there's no way the trench would have been so poorly defended.
There's no way the enemy would leave such a crucial area like the residential district wide open.
"Is this your command, Sylph?"
This battlefield really was like a game.
There is a "correct answer" provided depending on the situation, and the player must answer it to proceed to the next stage.
Someone controlled things to make it that way.
"What's with that frightened look on your face, Touri?"
"She's terrifying."
On this battlefield, Sylph had prepared all the answers from start to finish.
The whole battlefield was constructed "to ensure victory," just like a practice problem.
Completely control the movements of the enemy you're fighting for the first time within their base?
Develop tactics in just a few days that will cause the least amount of damage to both friend and foe?
And all while using it as a practice exercise to train your subordinates?
"Who is the real 'monster', Sylph Nova?"
After this battle to take over the hideout was over…
I was truly terrified of the girl from my generation who was commanding from the rear.