Episode 66 – Major Threat (6)
‘The estimated chance of victory is over 50%. But…’
Time kept passing, and just before Agor’s army, having finished their deployment, clashed with my soldiers, the two armies will likely meet in fierce combat in the battlefield in a few days. Judging by the simple numbers and the level of the troops, it’s highly probable that this will be a grueling battle unlike any we’ve had so far.
In this situation, I know everything in detail, as if looking at the palm of my hand, about the forces I’ve prepared and the composition and positioning of the forces the opponent has mobilized.
However, I’m still unable to properly calculate the chances of victory. There is only one reason for this. The information, more specifically the data, is insufficient.
“What in the world are those?”
I asked Kruger as I pointed to a group of large mana beasts marching in front of us.
These were creatures that I remember from the game and have never seen since I was reincarnated, resembling salamanders grown to the size of a two-ton truck, with large cannons mounted on their sturdy bodies.
“This is a remodeled mobile mana cannon platform. They’ve attached it to the strong Barogor bodies to make it mobile and able to fire while moving.”
Kruger, upon hearing my question, smiled faintly and explained. A mobile mana cannon platform, similar to what Ludras mobilized.
One difference is that this weapon is far more advanced and compact compared to the assembly-style mana cannon platforms Ludras used.
‘So this was available too?’
I was slightly flustered. They probably acquired information about the large battle units and brought in appropriate countermeasures, either by purchasing them or through internal research.
In other words, these weapons likely wouldn’t have been created if it weren’t for me.
[Development and growth are not exclusive to players. As players develop and grow, others are stimulated and grow alongside them.]
‘I know. Damn it.’
I frowned at the tactless system message.
All data is not fixed in a game, unlike reality. Situations change in real-time, and everything changes accordingly.
When I become stronger, the opponent also becomes stronger. When I learn, the opponent learns too.
Ultimately, my greatest advantage is the ability to learn faster and reproduce more quickly than others.
If the opponent shows this level of development, it means I need to keep innovating strategies to continue winning.
‘Until now, we’ve responded to enemy artillery with counter-artillery or charges. But if the enemy’s firepower increases, we need to consider other options.’
I already know the old combat methods of demons in the Demon Realm quite well without needing Kruger’s input.
The traditional combat formations centered around elite troops who can manipulate mana are clearly different from large-scale combat formations that use formations and group tactics.
However, the situation has gradually changed, thanks to me.
In particular, the emergence of large combat units, coupled with Hive Mind’s advantages for rapid maneuver warfare and tight group tactics, led to our string of victories against local demon forces, prompting the enemy to adapt.
“We’ve never seen enemies emphasize firepower and infantry organization this much. It seems like they have taken notice of those monsters.”
“That’s right. Their investment in overall firepower feels like a clear intention to counter our large combat units.”
“That’s correct. Agor and Commander Zumun are competent commanders.”
Kruger didn’t refute my analysis.
The focus on compact mobile mana cannon platforms and overall firepower enhancement is indeed aimed at countering us.
If we stick to our old tactics of charging through enemy firepower, the casualties will inevitably be much greater.
Therefore, a different approach is necessary.
‘A way to weaken or neutralize the enemy’s firepower.’
I felt the need for new soldiers or new strategies as we prepared for battle.
There are only a few days left, but with my current capabilities, producing something within a short period isn’t impossible. Most importantly, proving this in this battle would give us an immediate advantage in the upcoming coalition battles, and possibly seize the initiative in this massive war.
*
“How is the enemy’s movement?”
“The reconnaissance shows no significant changes. However, the errors caused by the time lag during information exchange…”
“I know that much.”
Zumun, riding his elephant-like mount and looking down at the massive army before him, frowned at the report.
One of Zumun’s obsessions was information acquisition, or reconnaissance.
It was a necessary trait for a commander, but the reason he was paying particular attention this time was noteworthy.
“They act like a single body with their massive group moving nimbly and also deploy reconnaissance units in the sky to gather our information in real time. We need to know what they’re planning first.”
“But is that really possible? If regular beasts can do such a thing, how powerful must their leader be? They’re no longer in the category of ordinary beasts.”
“…If we don’t know for sure, being cautious is not a bad thing. We don’t fully understand who or what they are yet. They are sudden and mysterious creatures.”
Someone challenged him, and that someone was Vampire Knight Marcela.
Of course, Marcela wasn’t genuinely questioning; she merely added her remark.
‘Damn, she’s still gauging us, but this one is definitely here to interfere. I can’t let my guard down for a moment.’
Zumun disliked Marcela. Dispatched from the Superior Lord’s domain, she tried to place herself on equal footing with him, the commander, and his odd interjections irked him.
From the beginning, Zumun saw Marcela as an obstruction—a spy sent by the Superior Lord to watch over their battle.
“Didn’t you already receive a report? The vampire knights couldn’t capture them either.”
“It’s certain that they communicate and act in their own unique way.”
Marcela nodded calmly at Zumun’s counterattack.
In fact, Marcela had sent some of her vampire troops before officially mobilizing, to deal with the rampaging legion soldiers at the border, but they always managed to evade, never engaging in actual combat.
Marcela believed it was due to the enemies’ reconnaissance units in the sky.
Therefore, flying demon soldiers, including goblins, continue to patrol and eliminate the legion’s reconnaissance units whenever they were spotted.
“If we can march without significant variables and engage the enemy head-on, that will suffice.”
Zumun’s plan is steadily unfolding.
The strategy involves heading out with a massive army and directly confronting the enemy’s prepared forces.
The process must proceed without variables. Only then can they thoroughly collect and analyze enemy information.
“Remove the enemy’s large units with enhanced firepower and disrupt their formation?”
“That’s exactly what we agreed on. It’s the best we can do, and doing that will surely bring us a great victory.”
He confidently showed off his determination, puffing out his chest.
For political reasons, he wanted to minimize any opportunity for Marcela and the vampires to step forward.
‘It’s definitely doable. We’ve scouted non-stop. The enemy will surely charge right at us.’
To Zumun, the legion soldiers were obviously unaware of their strategies.
Their method of combat, using brute frontline troops with massive bodies to break through the enemy lines and attack en masse, was already known.
If they could find a way to break through that method, they could win. It was an impossible feat for a fringe territory, but not for them.
‘If we win, the forces from other territories will naturally follow with victory, and we might even make a sudden advance into their territory to destroy their nest.’
The opening battle would be led by Agor’s forces under Zumun’s command.
Since the results of this battle will greatly affect the subsequent battles, there could be no retreat for Zumun.
“Well, as I’ve handed over command to you, I will follow your order. Unless of course, we face a dangerous moment.”
“Ha, agreed.”
Marcela smiled faintly at Zumun’s statement.
The dangerous moment Marcela mentioned was, of course, when the strategy failed and the army faced defeat.
In that moment, Marcela was basically declaring her intention to intervene in Zumun’s command, though Zumun couldn’t openly deny it.
