Chapter 42

“What… something’s flying over-”

Wooosh—

The words of the fallen guard were cut off abruptly by an explosion at the watchtower. Then, seven gliders plummeted down vertically from the sky.

BOOM!!!

An explosion engulfed the fallen Forward Base, fierce flames soaring high from the facility.

“Haahh! Die!”

Edu watched the scene unfold and raised their voice.

And as expected, announcements rang out.

– Gained 19 experience points.

– Gained 21 experience points.

– Gained 19 experience points…

A pleasant outing, safely searching for enemies from afar and collecting experience points.

Yay! This is what an outing is, and this is happiness!

This time, since the enemies were at a fair distance, the three who were outside the tank took turns looking between the explosion-covered forward base and Edu.

“Wow…”

“Incredible…”

Nisia gave a brief gasp of admiration while Edward looked on in shock.

Jack, too, though silent, clearly harbored thoughts similar to the other two.

“So this is why you said we didn’t need help against ordinary enemies, Edu?”

“Yeah, using explosives up close gets you caught in the blast too, so that’s why.”

“Hmph, with firepower like this, even if a barrier holds out a few times, the mana cartridge will surely be drained dry.”

Edward said this while clicking their tongue.

“To think you suddenly dragged us down to ground level for training and had something like this hidden up your sleeve…you’re someone who doesn’t let their guard down for a second, aren’t you?”

“That’s not sarcasm, right?”

“How could it be? It’s a compliment.”

“Hmm, if that’s the case, feel free to be more amazed.”

In fact, in AOE, the trend of using bombs with hand gliders to wipe out enemies was very popular, and playing with a forceful firepower was fun, but replicating it here carried significant risks.

In a game, even if you make a control mistake and end up blowing yourself up, you can just reload, but this isn’t a game.

Additionally, as with most games, AOE allows several fictional conveniences. For instance, using fire or explosives inside a cave doesn’t cause the terrain to collapse, which is one of the most prominent examples.

However, based on the rules of this world that have been observed so far, they are relatively realistic within reasonable limits. Chances are, if you tried such an act, the cave would likely collapse.

Leveling up just to get sealed alive inside a dungeon… Ugh, I don’t even want to imagine that.

“Alright, so has everyone leveled up a lot? Want to check your stats?”

At my suggestion, the three nodded and looked at their stat screens, their eyes widening in surprise.

“Did you level up a lot?”

“Well, I did feel stronger, but I didn’t expect this much…”

“How much did you level up?”

“I’ve already reached level four; it’s an amazing pace.”

Edward kept their eyes glued to their stat screen as they spoke.

At first glance, it doesn’t seem like something to be surprised about, but recalling that we had swept through the Valley of Bloodstorm with Riana’s help made me understand the difference.

So if Edward has reached level four, Nisia and Jack must also be level four, right?

“Are the two of you level four?”

“Yeah.”

Jack nodded, and Nisia beside him shook her head. Well, naturally… Wait, you shook your head?

“Nisia, you’re different?”

“Um, yeah. I think I’ve reached level five.”

“Oh-”

Reaching a higher level despite receiving the same amount of experience.

It seems Nisia has a trait that grants bonus experience points in areas other than just health.

It’ll get more subtle after her growth phase, but it’s definitely a helpful trait during this time, so it’s not bad for a teammate to have it.

Especially if it’s the protagonist-level Nisia, it’ll probably have a greater effect.

“I see, so Nisia is level five, and the other two are level four?”

At my words, the three nodded.

Hmm, the leveling-up of my comrades is progressing smoothly, and I’ve also leveled up a bit, reaching level 12, so the rhythm isn’t bad.

…Although, speaking from the heart, I’d like to level up a little faster, but if we push ourselves too much and something big happens, someone might catch on.

We’re trying to stay under the radar and grow quietly to prepare for all sorts of situations with necessary power.

Now is not the time to embrace the gamer’s mindset of prioritizing efficiency and results.

“Then…”

After organizing my thoughts, I looked up at the sky.

Red sunset was descending little by little, and the wind blowing from the wasteland was getting colder, clearly signaling the approach of nightfall.

“Then, shall we call it a day and rest?”

At my suggestion, Nisia nodded.

“Yeah, even if we’re fine, Edu might have overexerted themselves, so it’s probably best to rest.”

“It’s going to get dark soon too.”

Jack added while looking at the sky, and lastly, Edward cleared their throat and spoke.

“I haven’t done anything, so I’ll leave it entirely to your judgment.”

In other words, do as you please.

“Alright, then let’s head back into the tank. Saver, can you move us over here?”

[Location confirmed. Initiating vehicle movement to the touched location.]

Saver, carrying all of us, headed towards the designated spot.

Upon arrival, it was a gentle hollow littered with large rocks placed haphazardly. In the world of AOE, it was just one of the unremarkable background features, but now it’s different.

These gentle slopes and boulders will naturally serve as barriers to hide and protect us.

[Concealing the vehicle and stopping maneuvering.]

“Alright.”

The subtle vibration running through my body ceased as I descended from the cupola and headed into the tank.

“Let me piggyback on you, Edu.”

“Thanks.”

After waiting, Edu got on Nisia’s back, who slowly stood up supporting them with their hands.

Warmth spread through my body, easing my tension and making me slightly drowsy.

“Mm…”

Without realizing it, my hand moved towards my face. Rubbing my eyes clumsily, Jack’s voice reached my ears.

“Then, I’ll prepare dinner. Nisia, you and Edu rest.”

“Eh, is that okay?”

“Yeah, I know a little bit about cooking personally.”

Jack responded to Nisia’s question and headed towards the small kitchen, with Edward following behind.

“Then, I’ll go on guard outside-”

[Guard duty is not required as I am already handling it.]

“…You’re on guard?”

[Yes.]

Saver gave a brief reply to Edward, who seemed a little flustered and lost in thought upon hearing it.

Then Saver’s voice echoed again.

[Shall I suggest you take a shower first? Each of you has been covered in sand and dust from the wasteland. While it has no significant impact on this unit, the human body is sensitive to contamination.]

“Uh…”

Edward nodded, still feeling a bit awkward, but after deliberating and realizing there was no other alternative, his gaze turned towards us.

“Then, I’ll go shower quickly.”

As Edward entered the shower, Nisia and I were left alone, and she gently sat on the mattress.

“You look tired. Want to rest a bit? I’ll wake you up when dinner is ready.”

“Mm…”

My eyelids naturally drooped, and before I knew it, Edu fell asleep, emitting a soft breathing sound.

“…Already asleep.”

Nisia muttered to herself while lightly patting Edu’s head with her hand.

A delicate, small-framed girl incapable of walking properly on her own and needing assistance. But there’s something about her behavior that occasionally becomes more mature than anyone else. Nisia felt a strange attraction towards this unique girl.

“Thank you for all your hard work today, Edu.”

Nisia whispered softly and covered Edu with the blanket folded in the corner. The time flowed quietly and warmly.

…

The land was cloaked in the deep darkness of night.

Something large and pitch black moved silently through the darkness. There were exactly twelve of them.

Unlike ordinary vehicles, they advanced without turning on any searchlights. From their massive bodies, a chilling red glow quietly flickered.

The large off-road tires kicked up dirt as they moved swiftly, followed by the screeching sound of tracks from the heavier vehicles trailing behind.

What stood out was the formation they moved in.

In most cases, when advancing through areas that are not occupied, a tighter cluster of vehicles is formed to enhance response capabilities. However, they did not behave this way.

They spread out widely on both sides, stretching their line in a long formation, resembling a crescent moon.

[Command: Entering a radio interference zone. All vehicles switch to a localized high-intensity communication system.]

[[[[Acknowledged.]]]]

Following the command in silence, the armored squadron moved forward through the darkness.

As the army advanced silently, they discovered something unusual ahead.

[Command: Multiple metal reactions detected ahead. Investigate the specified location.]

[Acknowledged. My unit will scout ahead.]

A rugged, tough-looking six-wheeled drive vehicle responsible for the right flank sharply increased its speed and broke out of the formation.

The gap created was naturally filled, maintaining the formation, and the group arrived at the scene of “art” created by Edu earlier that day.

An area covered in ash and fire, with traces of explosions, resembled a graveyard of vehicles.

About twenty vehicles were burnt and destroyed, creating an atmosphere of a burial site for abandoned cars.

[Combat traces confirmed. Assumed annihilation by counterattack from one armed vehicle.]

[Acknowledged.]

The lead six-wheeled drive vehicle turned around towards the command tank resembling a unit chief, transmitting the message.

The command tank, equipped with rotating 360-degree sensors, observed the surrounding situation.

A heavily damaged truck caught its attention far to the distance.

Though wrecked like the other vehicles, it bore distinct signs of something with powerful penetration piercing through its hood, in addition to explosions and burns.

The command tank accurately identified it as damage from artillery.

[Update: Enemy armed vehicle likely a tank. Multiple possibilities as a target, immediate tracking required.]

[Acknowledged. Movement path of the enemy tank has been detected. Will proceed with tracking.]

[[[[Acknowledged.]]]]