Chapter 137: Your World (5) The field camp of the Durkon Legion. Major General Schweitzer was personally inspecting the unit's firepower equipment ahead of their departure.
"The battery maintenance is up to code, I assume?"
"Yes, sir!"
"If I see a single screw-up, you're dead."
Just as he was meticulously checking the towed howitzers loaded onto the trucks—
Vrooooom—!
Suddenly, dozens of transport trucks rolled in, kicking up clouds of dust. They weren't military vehicles, and their cargo beds were covered in multiple layers of thick waterproof tarps. The men climbing out of the driver's seats were dressed in maintenance jumpsuits.
"What the hell are those?"
Major General Schweitzer approached them, his brow furrowed deeply.
"Who are you people?"
A man wearing glasses held out a set of documents to him.
"Sir Maximilian sent us."
"Max—ah, for fuck's sake, again?"
Schweitzer snatched the documents away. At the bottom were the Ebenholtz seal and Maximilian's elegant signature.
"...Ha. So he's finally going to overstep his bounds?"
The thing Schweitzer loathed most was interference—someone barking orders and meddling with his troops.
He'd praised Schweitzer as a military genius to his face, but in the end, was this just a ploy to manipulate the Durkon Legion to his own tastes?
"Get lost this inst—"
"These are new weapons."
Schweitzer's words cut off abruptly.
"...New weapons?"
The light of curiosity immediately flickered in his eyes, which had been clouded with annoyance.
"Yes."
The workers whipped off the tarps covering the cargo beds. Beneath them, a rather grotesque form was revealed: a rectangular turret with dozens of round launch tubes bundled together like a honeycomb.
"This is the prototype for the Multiple Launch Magic Rocket System, designated 'Kerben,'" the man explained, stroking the side of the machine.
"Built on an armored vehicle chassis, it has the durability to withstand the high-speed maneuvers of tank units over rough terrain. Furthermore, the controls were designed intuitively so they don't differ much from existing magic cannon aiming systems, making field deployment simple. It uses the explosive power of mana stones to devastate a wide area in a short amount of time..."
It was one of the weapons of destruction that would accelerate the flow of the era—created by Maximilian, who had squeezed every ounce of genius from the Lorenzo Academy and made full use of Artenum's labor and technology.
"..."
Schweitzer stared at the new weapon with a dazed expression. A chilling sense of euphoria washed over him.
"Here."
The man held out another document.
"Please sign here to confirm receipt."
Schweitzer snatched the paper and scribbled his signature haphazardly.
"The Knight requested feedback and combat data after use. Also, we would like to provide a basic operational guide for the artillery regiment..."
"Yeah, yeah. They're over there. Go that way."
Schweitzer pointed vaguely toward the artillery standby area.
"Ah, right. Did that... Sir Maximilian have anything else to say?"
"No, sir. Nothing at all."
"...Is that so?"
Afterward, the engineers gathered the artillerymen and began training them on the equipment.
"Hmm..."
Schweitzer watched the process intently with his arms crossed. Ballistic calculations, mana stone rocket loading, angle adjustment. It was certainly not much different from existing batteries; experienced artillerymen would be able to master it in no time.
Just as the training seemed to be wrapping up, he shouted, "Fire a test shot!"
In front of them lay an endless, open plain. Anywhere they aimed was a target.
"Prepare to fire!"
At the battery commander's thunderous order, the artillerymen moved in perfect unison.
"Relaying firing coordinates! Azimuth three-two-zero-zero, elevation zero-four-five-zero!"
"Azimuth three-two-zero-zero, elevation zero-four-five-zero!"
The gunner adjusted the scale, followed by the shout:
"Load!"
"Loading—!"
The loaders pushed the mana stone rockets into the Kerben's honeycomb-like launch tubes one by one.
"Loading complete!"
"All launchers, fire for effect!"
At the battery commander's hand signal, the gunners pressed the ignition switches.
"Ignition—!"
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
In just a few seconds, dozens of magic rockets soared into the sky, one after another.
Screeeeeeech—
They carved arcs through the air, then descended silently onto the distant plains...
* * *
Beyond the horizon, dust bloomed like mushroom clouds.
BOOOOOM—!
The sound reached them a moment later.
Schweitzer, watching from afar, let out a hollow laugh.
"...This is insane."
Destructive power that could devastate a target area in an instant. A staggering range that was in a different league from existing towed howitzers.
Above all, the mobility—the fact that it could be mounted on a military truck, allowing for rapid redeployment to the next operational area immediately after firing.
It was a flawless new weapon, perfectly suited for blitzkrieg.
"Hah."
In Schweitzer's mind, the most perfect way to devastate enemy lines was an airstrike pouring shells from the sky. But if a rocket launched from the ground could achieve this kind of trajectory and range, it was no different from an airstrike.
No, perhaps its tactical utility was even higher, as it could operate without being restricted by weather.
"How many?"
"It's written in the documents," the engineer replied. Schweitzer smoothed out the paper he had just crumpled and checked the number.
[ Quantity of Kerben: 100 units ]
"...He certainly doesn't hold back."
To build and deliver a hundred of these crazy new weapons...
Wealth was wealth, technology was technology, and respect was respect, but to Schweitzer, it was something more than that.
"Wow... that damn Knight."
He liked how Maximilian seemed to perfectly understand his brand of blitzkrieg. A wave of genuine emotion washed over him, his upper lip twitching.
"He's a damn magnificent man!"
Khahaha!
A mad burst of laughter erupted. He roared, pounding on the Kerben's armor.
"All units! Deploy the new weapons immediately! We're going out for a field test—!"
* * *
I received news of the Durkon Legion's advance from the highlands of the Zerpa Mountains.
"Hmm..."
First, I surveyed the surrounding terrain.
"Quite good."
The flat terrain was perfect for landing helicopters and using as a temporary command post.
However, there were people living even in a place like this. I spotted a few houses nearby where about twenty people were gathered, chatting.
"We can evict them immediately," a soldier said, but I shook my head.
"No. Forget it. I'd rather pay them and give them vocational training. It'll probably only be Knights coming here anyway."
The only use for this place was helicopter insertion, and the only personnel capable of that were mostly Imperial Knights. It would be inefficient to keep a garrison here, so using locals seemed better.
"Yes, sir. Understood."
Beep. Beep.
Right on time, two short beeps sounded from the radio. It was a signal from a mole within the Royalist faction.
The 'operation' would begin soon.
I had already laid out the scenario perfectly, but in this business, you could never trust anyone 100%.
Even if the probability was low, I always had to keep the possibility of a double agent in mind.
"First, launch one helicopter," I instructed the pilot.
It was for reconnaissance.
The vanguard would circle over the royal palace to confirm the situation, and only when safety was guaranteed would I personally head up to oversee the operation.
* * *
Meanwhile, the leadership of the Republican faction also detected unusual movements within the Royalists.
"The military is planning to betray the Crown Prince. The signs of a coup are certain."
"...Pfft. They wagged their tails for the Empire, and now they're self-destructing."
Frank, the leader of the Republicans, wore a sneer.
"However, we must consider the possibility that this is a feint. The army will not move rashly and will focus on defending Zeronica."
According to the Republican spies embedded within, the 'intent' seemed very genuine, but there was no need to be careless.
"Instead."
His eyes turned cold. He quietly scanned the officials inside the meeting room.
"Assassinate the Crown Prince."
Crown Prince Alonso was inherently weak and moderate. He was an incompetent puppet who, at best, could only be described as mediocre.
For that reason, they had intended to keep him alive and use him, but instead, the power of the Empire had latched onto him.
"I don't know what those Imperial bastards are trying to scavenge from Zerpa."
Zerpa's only resources were a few mines, including Zeronica, and its territory wasn't large. Its only notable exports were a breed of cattle and various food ingredients favored by a small number of gourmets.
"There is no longer any reason to keep the Crown Prince alive now that he has built his own power base with the Empire's help."
Frank tapped his finger on the desk.
"Relay the message to 'Rapture,' who is currently infiltrated in the capital."
He issued the command with resolve.
"If the coup tonight is real, use the chaos to take Alonso's head."
...
Late at night.
Around the time the Durkon Legion began its march toward the Zeronica Mine, Crown Prince Alonso was receiving reports from his aides in his office.
"...Your Highness. The Imperial Army has moved."
The Zeronica Mine. It had been the property of the royal family for generations and was the reason the current royal family could rise to power—their 'legitimacy.'
It was a place that had to be reclaimed, not just for practical reasons, but for the sake of their cause.
"It is the elite of Durkon, led by Major General Schweitzer."
To the tense Alonso, the Chief of Staff spoke softly, as if to reassure him.
"With their firepower, the Zeronica Mine will be recovered in no time."
The words were full of conviction. Alonso also let out a sigh of relief and looked around the room.
His inner circle was here. He had gathered them intentionally to soothe his wavering heart and anxiety.
"Yes. Seeing all of you calms me. I shall trust and wait."
As Alonso sat down calmly and shared light conversation with his aides while a servant brought out refreshments—
Suddenly.
BOOOOOM—!
A thunderous explosion erupted from somewhere in the capital, visible through the window.
"W-what! What's happening!"
The Crown Prince jumped up from his seat in shock.
"Your Highness! Get down!"
The Head of Security was the first to throw himself forward, pulling Alonso toward him.
A scenario. A script agreed upon in advance.
Shells exploding outside first, followed by the chaos of coup forces marching into the capital.
"Follow me! Everyone!"
The Head of Security shouted, pulling a gun from his coat.
Bang! Rumble!
Explosions erupted here and there. Bombs had been pre-installed throughout the palace. Compared to the massive tremors, they had zero lethality, but they were certainly enough to terrify a single man.
"W-what is the meaning of this..."
"Your Highness! Focus on escaping for now!"
Amidst the thunderous sounds and acrid smoke, Alonso ran through the palace corridors under the protection of his aides.
When they reached the exit through the carnage—
"We will stay here and assess the situation."
The aides, including the financial officials, did not come outside. Instead, they shouted solemnly from within the palace.
"Your Highness, please escape with the Head of Security!"
The Crown Prince looked at them with desperate eyes.
"It's dangerous! You all should come with—"
"No. Zerpa has a future only if Your Highness survives. We will try to buy you some time. Go, quickly! Head of Security!"
The Head of Security, a former mercenary, grabbed Alonso firmly.
"..."
"..."
The remaining aides exchanged meaningful glances with each other.
...
The Head of Security led the Crown Prince into the streets of Zerpa, having draped a robe over him.
Bang! Bang bang bang—!
K-boom!
The roar of tank fire or magical explosions and the sound of gunfire echoed incessantly through the city streets.
" Pant, pant... W-what on earth is..."
Alonso was so terrified his legs were about to give out.
"It's alright! There's a bunker not far from here..."
Rumble!
A cannon blast echoed particularly close by.
The Crown Prince looked toward the sound.
There, he saw men wearing Zerpa military uniforms.
"Why... why would they..."
Zerpa tanks and Zerpa soldiers were marching toward the palace as if...
Bang! Bang bang bang bang!
However, that army was blocked by another front.
It was a group of unidentified armed personnel in civilian clothes.
"What is that now?"
Just as Alonso was on the verge of fainting from the inexplicable confusion—
"—Your Highness."
A familiar voice called out from the darkness.
It was Lieutenant Colonel Han, the commander of the Bertun Guard.
"L-Lieutenant Colonel! How are you here..."
"The Royalist regular army has staged a coup."
Lieutenant Colonel Han did not forget to salute even while explaining the situation.
"A c-coup... gasp, gasp."
Alonso clutched his heart as if he were hyperventilating.
"T-those bastards made the first move."
"Please, calm yourself."
"T-then, who are those people fighting them?"
"Sir Maximilian placed Imperial soldiers disguised in civilian clothes throughout Zerpa in case of an emergency."
"Ah! Sir Maximilian did...?!"
Tears suddenly welled up in Alonso's eyes. Sir Maximilian had made such meticulous arrangements out of concern for him.
He truly was...
"Then."
Lieutenant Colonel Han exchanged a brief look with the Head of Security.
"Rest assured. We will escort you from here."
Alonso nodded repeatedly, trying his best to maintain his dignity.
"Let us move away from the city for a moment. We have secured a safe route out. This way."
Bang! Bang bang bang bang!
The sounds of fierce combat between the civilian-clad soldiers and the rebels continued to echo from the city, as Lieutenant Colonel Han and the Head of Security escorted Alonso forward.
"Do not worry too much. There are those among the regular army who are on Your Highness's side."
"I-is that true?"
"Yes. They are joining the fray. The tide of battle is not bad at all."
The scenario was this: The regular army had turned into rebels. Rescuing the Crown Prince from their threat and safely suppressing the coup.
However.
"..."
No matter how sophisticated a script was written, unpredictable variables always popped up on the battlefield.
As Lieutenant Colonel Han tried to exit the main road, a strange presence suddenly caught his attention.
It was late at night. Ordinary citizens, startled by the gunfire, had all locked their doors and stayed inside.
Yet, someone was stealthily tracking them across the rooftops of this residential area, where the faint moonlight filtered through.
An assassin.
"...Get back."
Sensing the killing intent, the Lieutenant Colonel drew the sword at his waist.
At that moment, the enemy also kicked off the roof and leaped down.
Flash—!
Before Lieutenant Colonel Han or the Head of Security could react, the assassin's form streaked through the air.
His blade lunged solely toward Alonso's throat—
Suddenly.
The Crown Prince's gaze reached the night sky beyond the blade.
He couldn't help it.
Far higher than the assassin lunging at him.
In that brilliantly vast and pitch-black sky.
A white, shining comet was approaching him, as if...
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