Accepting refugees and observing the movements of the Isal forces.
It was quite difficult to handle these two main tasks while also attending to normal operations.
They know we’re active in this region, so they’re actively interfering with us.
The other side has deployed soldiers to the front lines, expanded their fortresses, and increased the number of spies, stopping the inflow of refugees.
However, this only applies to refugees coming through the main roads. Refugees are still flowing in by taking dangerous mountain paths or using secret routes.
“The Eighth Unit’s patrol results: we protected refugees in the mountains, and three-tenths of them were spies.”
“That number has increased recently. How about the front lines?”
“There was a major clash once, but they quieted down after the Oni King himself appeared at the front and destroyed the fortress.”
“Well, normally one wouldn’t expect someone of the Commander’s caliber to suddenly lead the charge.”
The days spent dealing with such situations have become my daily life, and I’ve grown accustomed to the busyness.
Currently, on the Magician Continent, Instructor Fushio and the Giant King are dealing with the Kuzuri forces who have sided with the Aristocratic Union. I hear the Dragon King is also being deployed.
The Machine King is handling the defenses, working to create a perfect situation.
In the Isal direction, the Lunaria initially rampaged, successfully drawing attention there. Meanwhile, Muil and Instructor Kio formed a partnership to establish a basic foundation.
We’ve formed an anti-Isal front by uniting several small nations.
Thanks to securing supply lines through both the continent and Earth, we’ve managed to create a passable flow, considering how hastily it was assembled.
“What are the reports from Keiri and the others?”
“They say that due to systematically purchasing food and minerals from Earth, primarily from Japanese companies, prices are gradually rising. Because of this, the Japanese Government has pointed out this issue, stating that further hoarding of supplies would be unfavorable to their sentiments. Therefore, they are suggesting we reduce purchases from within Japan and switch to procuring from overseas companies.”
“Make sure not to worsen the impression of the Japanese Government. Japan is our home base, after all. If we damage our relationship with them, it would be a complete loss. Also, have the supplies delivered to my Dungeon, not the headquarters. I’ve prepared the port for that. It should be able to accommodate three large tankers now, right?”
“Yes, I will handle it accordingly. Also, a report from the Technology Department. We received technology transfer for crude oil processing, and it looks like we’ll be able to start an oil production business on the continent next year.”
“That’s fast.”
“It’s rushed work using magic, so safety still needs to be confirmed, but we have many species that are good at that kind of work.”
“Undead, especially ghosts, have their strengths. They don’t need to breathe physically, after all.”
Maintaining the front line is a necessary duty for us generals, but war cannot be fought on that alone. We cannot fight with peace of mind if we do not thoroughly eliminate any lingering concerns.
If, by any chance, our supply lines were cut here, the fears of the nobles in this country would truly come to pass. We must avoid that at all costs.
That is why meticulous confirmation of supply shipments and economic activities to secure those supplies are crucial, especially during wartime.
“If we can achieve a stable supply, it will further enhance the stability of our army. If we can export to Earth, it will ease the environment of unilateral procurement. It’s truly a virtuous cycle.”
Currently, areas capable of oil production are directly controlled by the Demon Lord’s Army. Furthermore, the Magician Continent has almost no crude oil processing technology, only enough to burn it for use. In contrast, on Earth, oil fields are strategic resources that countries covet. If we can export it stably, at a price that doesn’t collapse the market and at a price low enough that Japan isn’t envied by other countries, then Japan will no longer dismiss the Demon Lord’s Army lightly. As for the negotiation aspect, we have plenty of long-lived, cunning individuals who have experience in negotiations, so we can completely delegate that. Muil says, “What’s there to be afraid of when dealing with a young fry barely a few decades old?” Yes, simply put, the experience gap is immense.
“All that’s left is to see if we can bring this to a peaceful end.”
“We have to consider the possibility of a prolonged war, so we can’t place too much hope on that. We’re fighting a war to solve problems, and yet the war itself is full of problems.”
“You’re right.”
If we can manage our affairs to eliminate lingering concerns, we’ll be using both worlds to our advantage. Just as America overwhelmed Japan with its material strength in World War II, we can overwhelm Isal with our material strength. That is what all this exchange is for.
“Human King!”
“What is it?”
Why do problems never just sit quietly? A messenger hurries in. His face is flushed with panic, and from that alone, I can sense that a considerable problem has arrived. Suella is responding calmly, but her reaction suggests she has a very bad feeling about this. I understand how she feels.
“Yes! An encrypted message was sent from that organization, and upon decryption, it revealed that the enemy allied forces have split and are apparently at war with the Empire’s Army.”
“Why?”
I thought something bad was about to happen to us, but instead, a gale force, not just a tailwind, is pushing us from behind. That’s why such a foolish exclamation escaped my lips. Internal division? What? The Demon Lord’s Army is currently pushing them back. We are cautiously observing the situation and trying to solidify our foundation, but we are also launching attacks on their fortresses to distract the instructors, attacks that go beyond mere harassment, causing damage. And yet, our own casualties are minimal. Just as we were estimating that we could secure the front-line fortresses and block some of the main roads, an internal split?
“Is it a trap?”
“No, it was definitely transmitted through the contacts we designated, so… it’s probably true.”
It’s too convenient of a development. I thought they were foolish for using that drug, but… were they this foolish? Dispersing their forces, this is the worst possible strategy. If this information hadn’t come from that organization, the one Ann is in, I would have them verify it, but if it comes from her, the situation has drastically changed. The messenger is also confused. Of course, he would be. He probably can’t believe we have an information network capable of conveying such critical information so easily.
“Contact Ann. Confirm it immediately. Mobilize our spies as well. Strengthen surveillance of the refugee camps. Convey this information to the front lines, considering the possibility of the transmitter’s movements. Also, inform the Oni King.”
“Yes!”
But this is the fact. As I’m still reeling in disbelief, their confusion subsides. Something will likely happen here soon. I issue immediate orders and interrupt the current work.
“What do you think?”
“Frankly, I can’t believe it. It’s highly improbable that they would take such action at this timing. If it’s true, it’s a golden opportunity. We should deploy our troops immediately and create a favorable environment. Or, perhaps it’s truly a secret plan to lure out our excessively advanced troops by causing confusion here.”
The war situation has changed. Dramatically, at that. Therefore, we need to consider the army’s movements, but the recognition that it’s impossible hasn’t faded. I rack my brain, but I can’t make an immediate decision. I ponder what to do, but no answer comes. When I ask Suella, she’s also half-believing, or rather, more inclined to doubt. If it’s true, she thinks it’s a great opportunity, just like me. However, if it’s false information from the enemy intended to lure our troops out of the Dungeon, the possibility of casualties is high.
“For now, let’s ask the instructors to remain calm until the information can be confirmed. If we promise they can be the first to move once the confirmed information comes out, they should be okay with that.”
“Yes, the risk of moving now is too great.”
If we act cautiously, we might be labeled as cowards by the Demon Lord’s Army, but I feel we’ve reached a crucial juncture, so I choose to wait. It’s a fifty-fifty feeling between a premonition of success and a bad omen.
“Let’s also form a rapid response force. We might need it.”
If we knew how and why this is happening, we could act.
“Shall we also request instructions from the homeland?”
“Yes, let’s report and ask for a course of action. This is no longer a matter of on-site response.”
Let’s exchange information for that purpose.
“Hmm?”
“This…”
We’ve decided on an initial course of action. However, it seems we’ll need to wait a little longer. The sound of footsteps running towards us at full speed. Perhaps they’re afraid of their telepathic calls being intercepted, but the sheer panic is evident. Did something else happen?
“Messenger! Messenger!! Urgent matter for the Human King!! A situation that needs to be conveyed immediately!!”
Even hearing it from a distance, I can tell something dire has happened from the panicked shouts. Oh boy, I hope there aren’t any more troubles. Bad things often happen in succession, but this messenger is more panicked than the previous one. No offense, but Instructor Kio’s subordinates are quite brazen. They are all seasoned warriors who are not easily shaken. Moreover, to be a messenger, one must perfectly memorize accurate information and is therefore expected to remain calm, and these factors are thoroughly considered in their selection criteria. And yet, this messenger is panicking? Just the situation alone fills me with dread.
“Calm down!”
“Y-yes!”
Suella unleashes a sharp reprimand as an Oni messenger opens the door and enters, regaining his composure. The messenger stands at attention, catching his breath.
“Messenger! Report from a patrol reconnaissance unit! A large unit of angels has been spotted in the eastern sky! They are heading directly towards us!! There are also eyewitness reports of a giant aerial fortress navigating behind the large angel unit!! Prepare for interception immediately!!”
Though he could be heard without shouting, this was information that compelled him to yell.
“Suella, summon the Oni King to the conference room immediately. You, get the Harpy Unit on scramble. Have them conduct an aggressive reconnaissance, but not within their attack range. I want to know the time until contact.”
“Understood.”
“Yes!”
The split of the allied forces and the assault by the angel army. These two events happening simultaneously… there’s something going on. My bad feeling is irrelevant; while we were slowly preparing, the other side has undoubtedly started moving. Has God lost patience? Acting without regard for the hero, humanity’s trump card. Accompanied by Suella, who is initiating a telepathic call, I leave the office. Considering they are moving through the air, we don’t have much time. The guards in the office, having overheard the conversation, are awaiting my orders.
“Emergency order!! Prepare for combat with angels!! Recall units not at headquarters!! Evacuate refugees to shelters!! There’s no time, hurry!!”
“Understood!!”
I don’t have time to watch the Oni race off.
“Human King, the Oni King will be here in one minute.”
“Understood. Set up a communication line with headquarters. Inform the Demon Lord as well.”
“We’ll use the emergency line. Request immediate reinforcements.”
“…No, hold off on reinforcements.”
Even in this situation, think calmly. Think, what is the enemy’s objective?
Today’s word:
Even when busy, keep your mind calm.
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Pandora Pandemic Panic. Pandora’s Box has been opened again, but we’re fighting back from our secret base and other locations!! Please check it out as well!!
