The Special Selection Unit Astral has finally arrived in the Republic of Mers, where it is a battlefield.
It is said that the battlefield is calmer now than before, but the number of casualties will not decrease.
"What's the situation?
"I'll let you know."
A base built simply on the front lines. There, it also seems to be a field ward where you can hear things like moaning. The smell of blood and disinfectant. In addition, it seems to be using healing magic quite a lot, and there was a lot of primary material "Primateria" around it.
……
Ray flickers into the sight. Nothing in particular occurred to him, but his heart grew taller for a moment. It's like remembering something.
"First of all, on the battlefield, there's something wrong with enemy soldiers."
"What's funny?
Henrik asks. The man who thought he was the commander replied:
"That should no longer be... described as a monster. He loses his reason and continues to unleash magic on all his enemies."
"Magic Realm Runaway." You think it's not just Overheat?
"Yes, I thought it was overheated by the Magic Realm Run, but some of the soldiers seem to be rational. There are also commanders who are putting it together. I don't know what's going on here..."
The man seemed to be completely exhausted. He belongs to the same Royal Army, and Henrik is familiar with it. Henrik understood the significance of showing such a face.
Apparently, the battlefield is getting worse than I thought.
"What's happening on the front lines?
"... on the front lines, a significant number of soldiers have already been dispatched. Some of them were brilliant, but there was nothing left ─ ─"
I never heard a word from there. I felt everything from the crying expression and the feeling of being too sad.
"The front lines are calm now. Some of them are watching, but sometimes they're in the woods, and it's a tough situation to detect immediately."
"In the woods... you can't tell by magic?
"The primary material, Primateria, is disturbed in the woods. I wonder if the magical sensing is harsh. Because of this, we have to sense only the sound of the other person, so the response is delayed."
"Hmm...."
Put your hand on your chin and think about it. I was never optimistic about the war. However, the situation was worse than expected. That's why we need to know how to overturn this situation.
With that in mind, Henrik once again said:
"Okay. If you're on the front lines, we'll take care of it."
"......! Thank you so much....!
Lower your head. It was a sign of sincere gratitude. Few of the soldiers here have experienced combat. And they're the same people. To hesitate to kill is natural as a human being. On the other hand, the enemy does not have such reason.
Having no hesitation in killing was one of the greatest strengths on the battlefield.
Night. The sun has already completely fallen and the dim light illuminates the scene. The members of the Special Selection Unit Astral gather in another tent and begin planning their operations as soon as possible.
"To my mind, it's this forest that's troubling. I think they know that and they're fighting here."
Carol expresses her feelings in a more serious voice than usual. Carol is currently in charge of planning the operation of Special Selection Unit Astral. Discuss it with Henrik and decide on the final operation.
Of course, there are other members now.
"The woods... you're trying to prevent magic from intentionally detecting them?
Carol nods to Flor's words.
"I think so... after all, it's a technique that's theoretically possible. But there must be cycles. Sometimes I think it's just going to weaken."
Carol stares at the map with a magical look. In such an atmosphere, Ray gently raises his voice.
"Ray-chan? What's the matter with you?
I can figure out what's going on in the woods.
"What do you mean?
"We know to some extent the location of the person who is already hiding in the woods from this position."
The sigh spreads. That was something I never thought I'd do. Better than a few kilometers from this base to the front line. It's impossible to perceive it, but Ray would be convinced.
"I also know the approximate position. After all, the opposing soldier wrapped up a strange primary material," Primateria. "It's pointless in front of me and Ray."
Lydia also seemed to have a complete picture, and I thought Carol was a really reliable couple.
"Now, tell me the exact location and I'll go back to this operation ─ ─"
The operation meeting took three more hours.
It was late at night. Looking up at the sky, you can see many beautiful stars. Ray just sits on the rock and looks up at the sky.
It is bedtime now, but he came here alone because his eyes were too close to sleep.
"Ray, are you alone?
"Howard, what's wrong?
When there were signs of people from behind, Howard was standing there. As he approached, he sat down next to Ray.
"Tomorrow at last."
The voice was his voice as usual. Howard didn't seem nervous, just calm, but Ray was the same.
Yeah, that's right.
"... you're calm."
Really?
No matter how anyone looks at it, I can only say that Ray is calm now. The atmosphere doesn't seem to belong to children. Tomorrow we start fighting enemy soldiers. Besides, we're on our way to the front.
Definitely killing each other. Yet Ray was as calm as usual.
"Actually, I was wondering if Ray was freaking out, so I came to see how he was doing.
"Really?
"Yeah, but it looks okay."
That's how Howard lay on the ground and looked up at the sky. There were no clouds this evening, and I could clearly see the beautiful stars. It's not uncommon, but Howard leaks his voice.
"Stars. Beautiful."
"Yeah, it's really sunny today."
"Ray's never been in a real fight before."
That's right.
"I'm warning you, don't hesitate."
"Because hesitation leads to death, doesn't it?
"Does the boulder teach Einsworth?"
"Yeah, but I still don't feel it. I don't know what to say at first glance."
"That's true. I can understand the words well before and after I go to war."
Howard's words weighed oddly. He is an excellent magician and a genius. However, on the other hand, there were many opportunities to experience the actual battle. I can't count how many people have already been killed by magic. No matter how much conflict it is, no matter how many enemies there are, the memories remain forever.
Even if it actually leads to protecting the country.
"Ray, are you looking for something?
It was a sudden word. The moment he hears it, Ray watches. Because it was shooting at the target.
"That could be... yes."
"Maybe?
"Yeah, I don't even know. I wonder why I'm looking for something... I can't remember my old memories these days. However, some people remember a strange feeling of pre-vision. I don't know who I am... but I think I'm looking for the answer. I think that's why we're going to the battlefield."
……
It was lacking in specificity and abstract. But Ray does feel something on the battlefield. Looking for something, I got here. It seemed as if he was saying so.
I see. I hope they find us. "
"Yeah."
The story was cut off there. When they stood up, they headed towards the base.
You will finally participate fully in the Far East battle.
With all of us on a solid mission, the operation has finally begun.