All-out Assault

As anticipated by Diaroze, it wasn’t long after that that they encountered the enemy. The location was a relatively flat basin and they found the Noredians locked in a fierce gunfight. Crimson beams peculiar to Noredian weapons cut through the darkness and pierce into strikers and small ships causing explosions on both sides.

“They really are going at each other huh………..”

Kisei muttered with a frown. The burning sensation in his brain was proof that there were more than a few casualties already. Even though they should have lost many people in the satellite drop, he has to wonder why they are fighting among themselves in a situation like this.

He’s already angry as he is. Many of their troops should still be buried alive under that canyon but instead of conducting a rescue, they are doing this.

Kisei was quietly burning with fighting spirit.

“Hmm, are they pretending………no, they’ve already crossed the line for that. It’s true that the Empress is cold blood but she wouldn’t waste her soldiers like this. The loss would be too much.”

They can’t see what exactly is going on from the outside but judging by the number of gunshots, it seems that quite a few Noredian soldiers are fighting in the basin. Naturally, all this information came through their recon vessel.

So far, they have not confirmed the presence of other enemy forces at other locations. Most of the Noredian forces should be either buried alive underground or vaporized entirely by the impact so it would probably be safe to say that all of their surviving forces are gathering here.

“What do we do, should we launch an attack?”

From the Calencians’ point of view, this is a big chance. There are certainly a lot of enemies gathered here but if they perform a flanking attack then they should be able to wipe them out relatively easily. If they can destroy what the enemy has left here then the battle is as good as won.

“Umu, right. How are our tanks doing? I want to make our first attack as intense as possible. Coordinating an attack with our fleet would be difficult in this kind of environment but our tanks should be just fine.”

Due to the storm and dust, long-range battery fire would be extremely inaccurate. They can’t afford to put their fleet in this kind of environment. With that being the case, the tanks which are specialized in close-range combat would be perfect to provide support for their strikers.

“I thought that we might need them so I already have them on standby. We can’t start at any time.”

“Very well.”

“How do I say this, it’s kinda difficult to say which one is the general here [DESUNE].”

Hearing Schleer and Diaroze’s exchange, Nora snorted. Certainly, although Schleer is the commander here, Diaroze was the one who’s making the decision.

“She’s the right person for the job. And since she’s a property of Kisei I don’t see a problem utilizing her to the fullest. Besides, the final decision is still mine to make.”

“………”

Nora doubted that but she didn’t say anything more. Rather than taking Schleer’s order, she’s more inclined to follow Diaroze’s direction.

“Well, don’t worry about it. Right now we have to crush the enemy…….”

“But do we know if those guys are among them? That would be the most important detail right.”

Diaroze frowned as she got interrupted mid-sentence. Since this is a great opportunity to attack, she wants to crush the enemy immediately. With a loud sigh, she leaned forward and hugged Kisei from behind while rubbing her nape on his neck. It would be bad if she does this while he’s piloting but since they are taking cover behind a rock there’s no problem.

“Come on.”

With a bitter smile, Kisei pats her head. It felt like he was stroking a large dog. Her wavy fluffy blond hair is very soft to the touch.

“By [Those guys] you mean the new Four Heavenly right.”

“Yes, Exactly!”

Eleanor affirmed while pushing her uselessly big chest up. She was humiliated by the new Four Heavenly. If she doesn’t get a rematch then she just can’t feel right again.

“The radar is useless and the visibility is so bad. There’s no way we can tell who’s who right.”

Saki said in an exasperated voice. The fact is that even though they are right outside the battlefield, the enemy still failed to detect them. Only the bright flashes of the beams and explosions can clearly be seen at their distance.”

“What, it’s simple. We just thrust ourselves in there and find out. If their Zeniths are in there then we will come. Strong people gravitate to one another after all.”

“Your reasoning is messed up…….but you do have a point.”

It’s true that they won’t get anywhere if they keep staying here. It was rare but Diaroze does agree with Tersis this time. Still, Tersis’s real intention was ‘whatever, just let me attack them already’.

“If the tanks are in position then there’s no need to hesitate anymore. Firstly, we vanguards will head in and take cover here. Once we establish visual contact we should be able to have our tanks perform bombardment.”

“Let’s go with that then.”

‘As I thought, Diaroze still looks like the commander here’ added Nora in a small voice.

“Well then, advance.”

Schleer quietly nodded to the grinning Diaroze. Even if she doesn’t look like the commander, she’s still the one giving orders here. Unsheathing her Zweihander out from the shoulder-mounted shield, Schleer commanded as she pointed the tip of her sword to the basin.

“This battle will put an end to our long conflict with the Nored Empire. All units, Charge!”