MV – Chapter 125 – The National Army and the Minor Villain

The national army is formidable. The national army that guards Eldarge 15 and its surrounding satellite towns, is funded with an enormous budget to protect the country from fearsome monsters and dungeons. Its equipment is cutting-edge, and every soldier’s abilities are rated as Star 5 among explorers. Their training is as rigorous as hell, resulting in the highest level of combat readiness.

Recently, according to the level theory presented in a paper by a certain house’s youth, the new ability scanner indicates that their levels even exceed 50.

Until now, the monsters that have attacked the city have been wiped out, and the word “defeat” has never existed in the dictionary of the national army. Moreover, this time, with newly deployed equipment created by a revolutionary invention, the army was filled with absolute confidence.

They “were”. That word was about to become a thing of the past.

◇◇

“Lieutenant Izumo, what do you think of this deployment request?”

Inside the helicopter, which was shaking and filled with the smell of iron, Lieutenant Izumo awakened from a drowsy state to the voice of his subordinate.

“This deployment request? Well, they called us back from our expedition in another area for combat evaluation. A considerable number of monsters must have appeared.” (Izumo)

In the drab cargo hold, where a net was securing the cargo and the boorish magic iron walls were lined with cold, uncomfortable metal seats, 30 subordinates sat in their seats. They all wore the latest spirit armor, not yet distributed to regular soldiers, as part of the elite unit within the national army.

Lieutenant Izumo, recently outfitted with the new spirit armor known as “Rokumonsen”, had been conducting combat evaluations in a dangerous uninhabited area, teeming with powerful monsters and high-difficulty dungeons. However, he was suddenly called back from this mission.

“Just when we finally finished setting up the base, they called us back. What are the top brass thinking? Now we have to start a~ll over again. Do it again. By the time we return, the base will have probably been overrun by monsters.”

“Exactly. Look at the other helicopters, don’t they seem as disappointed as us?”

Peeking through the window, they could see a dozen large infantry transport helicopters flying nearby. The subordinate’s jokes and complaints made the others laugh as well.

“Do helicopters even have expressions? Sure, all our work for the past month has gone down the drain, I get it.” (Izumo)

The elite unit known as the Sanadamari Corps comprised 200 members. After battling their way through monsters, they had finally managed to set up a base. Just when they thought they could begin the combat evaluation, they were called back, so it was understandable that they would be upset.

In order for the army to use the spirit armor, its performance must be accurately evaluated. This evaluation includes the ability of a single unit, its endurance in prolonged battles, ease of maintenance, ammunition, energy pack standards, and how it performs in coordinated group actions; there were a staggering number of evaluation criteria. They had anticipated spending about six months to a year on these evaluations, but this recall had already extended that timeline by at least another month.

“I was hoping to finish the job quickly and see my daughter before she forgets what I look like. But this mission is in the Surface District, so once it’s over, I’ll take some leave and go home.”

“Ah, maybe I’ll take some leave too. I’m planning to propose to my fiancee and give her a ring. This evaluation seems like it’s going to drag on for a while, so I should probably marry her before she cheats on me.”

“Do you know cheating after marriage exists?”

“I can’t hear you, can’t hear you.”

The subordinate who covered his ears was teased by the others. The lighthearted banter relieved some of the tension, and Lieutenant Izumo didn’t mind the chatter since it helped maintain the morale of his subordinates before battle.

“Lieutenant, it seems that quite a number of monsters have appeared in this incident. They say it’s because someone released monsters from an ancient ruin.”

“The Surface District is in danger?” (Izumo)

“No, it’s just that the magic academy and some of the surrounding mansions have been engulfed. The affected area is small, but it seems the sheer number of monsters has left the national army stretched thin.”

A subordinate, who was reviewing the mission details on a device on his lap, reported this with a suspicious look. Lieutenant Izumo also realized that something felt off about the mission.

“If it’s just their numbers, shouldn’t the Surface District’s defense force be enough… Ah, I see. They want a grand debut for this ‘Rokumonsen’.” (Izumo)

“Someone wants to skip the combat evaluation and rush its distribution. I see, it makes sense. If we save the magic academy in the Surface District, it’ll stand out like a brightly lit building, and we’ll get all the praise.”

“Exactly. The list of enemy types has been sent, and it’s mostly plant-based monsters like enhanced versions of Blade Flowers and Claymore Sunflowers. Plant-type monsters tend to come in large numbers, but they’re generally weak.” (Izumo)

“Damn, why do the higher-ups always only think about money? If you don’t take the time to thoroughly test new models, you won’t know where the pitfalls are.”

Politics was probably involved too. It was a bothersome world, and they could only sigh at how they were being tossed around by it.

The subordinates, now aware of the true nature of the mission, exchanged bitter smiles.

“Lieutenant Izumo, we’re about to enter the teleport portal.”

“Roger. Well, let’s do some weeding.” (Izumo)

The helicopter entered the beam of light that would return them to Eldarge, and they were on their way back to their home city.

◇◇

“Hmm, is that it? There’s certainly a lot of green. That’s pretty bad.”

“Yeah, quite a huge area is covered with plants.”

The helicopter flew towards its destination upon returning to Eldarge. They soon reached their objective through the air, but…

The vast grounds of the magic academy were now filled with towering trees over 100 meters tall, forming a forest. The mansions of the wealthy around the academy were wrapped in thick vines, which had broken into the interiors, leaving them riddled with holes. Living there would no longer be possible.

“The rich folks are gonna squawk and complain, no doubt.”

“Don’t say it with such a happy face. Though, I kinda feel the same way.”

They couldn’t help but laugh after seeing the mansions of those who considered living near the magic academy a status symbol now destroyed. Their subordinates shared the sentiment and chuckled as well.

However, Lieutenant Izumo felt something was off and frowned.

“But isn’t it strange that they’ve allowed these many monsters to roam unchecked? Are our colleagues slacking off?” (Izumo)

The frontlines were a vast expanse of harmless-looking grass, swaying gently in the breeze. Blade Flowers had taken root, forming a meadow and swaying with the wind.

“Um, it’s been three days since the start of the battle. According to the reports, we’ve already wiped out a significant number of enemies, and now all that’s left is to destroy their central base…but…something feels off.”

The national army had set up barricades just ahead of the grass, attempting to hold the line. Tanks and artillery were in place, but they remained idle.

“Wait, could it be that they are seriously expecting us to handle everything? How touching, they’re giving us such a grand debut.” 

“Lieutenant, we’ve received a message from General Yoroizuka.”

“Ah, I can pretty much guess what it’s about, but go ahead.” (Izumo)

One of his subordinates handed over the communication device. He pressed the button to authorize the transmission, and a deep, somewhat panicked voice came through.

“This is General Yoroizuka. I’m giving orders to the Sanadamaru Corps. All units, immediately advance to exterminate the enemy. Ground forces, charge as well! Hurry, deploy as soon as you reach the launch point! Immediately!”

“Orders received. Understood.” (Izumo)

“Good. Ensure the enemy has no chance to retaliate. I’m ordering you to clear a path straight to the central base without hesitation. That is all.”

After issuing the command, the transmission abruptly ended, leaving Izumo sighing as he tossed the communicator aside.

“Why’s the General in such a rush?” 

“Maybe he’s worried it’ll become a problem if we don’t finish off these monsters quickly enough.”

“Being a public servant is exhausting. Makes me long for my sweet wife and daughter to relax with.”

“We’re approaching the frontlines. Opening the hatch, please proceed to launch one by one.”

“Got it.”

The hatch began to open and the pressure rapidly dropped. A gust of wind rushed in. The cityscape spread out before them as Izumo took a deep breath.

“Alright, everyone, time to work. Let’s earn our pay.” (Izumo)

“Yeah, especially with the hefty paychecks we’re getting—”

*Boom!* 

A sudden explosion echoed around them.

“W-What was that?”

He looked over and saw the helicopter next to them had exploded, scattering debris everywhere.

“Lieutenant! Enemy anti-aircraft fire! Massive energy blasts are being fired from the enemy’s direction!”

The pilot screamed as he reported. Just as he said, huge energy blasts, each about the size of a helicopter, were streaking by, and their helicopters began to be shot down one after another. Even though spirit barriers should have been protecting the helicopters, the enemy’s attacks were powerful enough to punch through them as if they weren’t even there.

“Damn it! Someone should’ve told us they had anti-aircraft defenses! Everyone, emergency evacuation from the helicopters! Mike, there’s no need to wait for us to launch. Turn around and retreat!” (Izumo)

“R-Roger that. Once this is over, let’s grab a drink at the tavern—whoa!” (Mike)

A sudden jolt shook the helicopter. When Izumo turned around, he saw the cockpit had been blown off, leaving a gaping hole. There was no sign of the pilot, Mike.

“Everyone, evacuate now!” (Izumo)

Izumo activated his Rokumonsen, and jumped out without waiting for a response. His seasoned subordinates, all battle-hardened members of an elite unit, didn’t need orders. None of them would fall here.

The wind brushed against his cheeks before the spirit barrier cut it off. The Rokumonsen, which resembled the armor of a general from the ancient Sengoku era, floated through the air, gently descending towards the ground.

The remnants of the destroyed helicopters fell around them, and the blast waves pushed against their backs. Amidst this, Izumo focused his thoughts, shifting the Rokumonsen into combat mode.

“Deploy Rokumonsen bits.” (Izumo)

The coin-shaped bits, mounted on the shoulders of the Rokumonsen, were released and began orbiting around Izumo. These six automatic defense bits deployed plasma shields, far stronger than the spirit barriers, crackling and sizzling as they scorched the air.

“All units, prepare your magic staves. We’ll burn through this place with fire.” (Izumo)

Izumo readied his spear-shaped magic staff and landed softly on the grass, glancing sadly at the helicopters being shot down. Looks like the grass appeared to be just that, harmless grass, devoid of any danger.

“You damn weeds, shooting down our helicopters like that. Time to pay you back.” (Izumo)

[Flare]

A sun-like radiance appeared, containing intense heat. Izumo hurled it toward the gathering monsters, letting the flames consume them.

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