Earth Dungeon 154

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Chapter 154. Grassland Battlefield

The lush green grassland swayed gently in the pleasant breeze, rippling like waves bathed in the spring sunlight. The weather was fine, and the panoramic view of this grassland would undoubtedly be considered an ideal picnic spot by people.

Certainly, Shingen also felt invigorated by the fresh scent of greenery in the air, filling his heart with a refreshing energy. He had thought it wouldn't be unreasonable for ordinary people to view this as a perfect picnic spot.

However, anyone who noticed the faint scent of blood mingling in the wind would think otherwise.

The grassland, which everyone would think was perfect for a picnic, had its green carpet torn up, exposing the earth, with numerous tire tracks left behind by vehicles.

To top it off, soldiers were stationed, defeating attacking wolves. Corpses lay scattered around, being diligently collected by cleanup crews.

Inside the makeshift command center with erected tents, Kenshin pondered while looking at the map on the command desk. But he quickly refocused. He was now a commander. Whether called a general, he had to lead these soldiers and protect the civilians digging up the grasslands.

There were times when Shingen wished he could just live as the top survivor in a Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain tavern.

However, those days were long gone, as Shingen grimaced while looking at his subordinates like Baba and Masamune. Spread across the operations desk were maps of the surrounding area, accompanied by several radios.

"Is Okubo making good progress on the fences around the fields?"

"So far, everything's going smoothly. The power of that magic water solution is remarkable."

Baba was marking the completed wall's sections on the map with pins, and about half of it was already built.

Drawn in a slightly distorted square shape, it marked the fields. To convert fields into plains, Okubo was teaming up with the border guards to rapidly build fences. Originally planned as a slow process, the border guards suddenly changed their plans.

Apparently, Karin brought some incredible news. A large-scale farm factory in the inner city was destroyed, and an oil tanker sank. Unbelievable.

We were urgently ordered to return and halt base captures to hurry back and create fields in the plains, as reported by the border guards. It was typical for plans not to go as expected, but we needed to secure food supplies urgently.

Honestly, Shingen regretted pushing the base captures a bit too far. We had increased by about 5,000 people. They were currently getting escorted across the plains, so to ensure their safety, building walls quickly was imperative.

"Commander! Amano Yukihana's Team successfully destroyed a dungeon. Also, confirmation of 30 Wind Hawk units heading our way. They're requesting immediate interception."

A communications soldier holding a radio saluted and reported. Former fortress soldiers were all well-trained as military personnel, making Shingen somewhat uncomfortable. But there were more pressing matters.

"Send the Shinden Unit for interception. How many units did you say?"

He wasn't familiar with aerial combat, so Shingen turned to Masamune for advice. Masamune, a former soldier, appeared momentarily unsure but quickly responded.

"Let's intercept with 30 units. Despite Shinden's superior performance, we need a safety margin."

Masamune was smart and cautious. Shingen understood this as they progressed with the base captures.

"Understood. Send the 30 units for interception."

As the communications soldier left with the acknowledgment, another one came in with a report.

"The 8th Squad has engaged in combat with an enemy Glass Wolf unit of 100. They're requesting reinforcements. Currently focusing on armed Shadow Tigers."

"Shingen-sama, allow me, and I'll take care of it!"

Baba, enthusiastic, spoke up, and Shingen nodded solemnly.

"Take two Shadow Tigers and ten armed Shadow Tigers. 50 soldiers accompany. Use my cavalry."

Orders flowed swiftly. The current Plains Conquest Unit comprised 200 Tianzhihara Corporation employees, 300 fortress builders, and a large force consisting of Shadow Tigers, armed Shadow Tigers, Dark Crows, Thunderbolts, and Shadow Snakes, totaling 200 beasts. Two-thirds of Tianzhihara Corporation's forces were invested here. Ayanosnow led her team to conquer dungeons within the plains, accompanied by masked girls at astonishing speeds. They were rumored to be members of the feared Jester Knight Order.

Though they seemed friendly during the spring festival with the border guards, rumors suggested their camaraderie was superficial. Conquering two dungeons in a day showcased their formidable power. For now, they were allies.

"Commander! Reports of a troop of about 200 Orcs and Kobolds detected to the south!"

Another report came in, furrowing Kenshin's brows. Something seemed off.

"Seems odd they'd launch a full-on siege all at once, doesn't it?"

"...Indeed. They might be baiting us, hoping to deplete our forces."

With a bitter expression to my inquiries, Masamune delivers unpleasant predictions.

Masamune might be right. If we build large-scale farms here, it will surely attract attention. Amatsugahara Corporation will become famous.

"It would be bad if the southern territory gets taken by the Orcs. Sakimori is still in the north. It's impossible to seek support."

The southern area is untouched, and the defense line is weak. However, if it gets taken, those currently working hard to develop the land will suffer losses. While clicking my tongue, I think of possible solutions, but there aren't many options.

"There are only about fifty of us left here. Well then, leave ten as reserves, and let's head to support! Masayoshi, if new enemies appear, buy us some time!"

"Understood. Leave it to me; I'm good at defense, kanrakanra."

I rush outside, exasperated by Masamune's laughter and hurried movements.

"Since there's no combat today, it's just perfect."

Shingen squints at Masamune's fearless smile and nods.

[Summon Cavalry]

The current level of Shingen's [Summon Cavalry]: level 3, with 30 horses summonable. Finally getting used to riding the horses, I hold a spear in hand.

Masamune also signals okay from the jeep, and we set off.

"Then let's head for the rescue!"

Raising my spear and giving commands to the horses, we start running. The magically tireless cavalry dash across the grassland at about 100 km/h speed. Confident that the magically tireless horses won't lose to jeeps. Though riding them is frighteningly fast.

As we gallop through the grassland, we soon spot a herd of orcs. My subordinates are driving armored vehicles and jeeps, continuing the battle under the support of Dark Tigers and Armed Shadow Tigers. It seems they've been buying time acting as decoys.

The dry crackle of automatic rifles echoes as they persist. I sigh with relief as it seems they're safe. Half of my subordinates are former soldiers, and it seems their training has paid off. They're turning approaching kobolds into swiss cheese.

The battered orc leader leaps high, attempting to crush the vehicles, but a jet-black wind charges forward, tossing him aside, then enveloping him, tearing his throat apart.

"A new type of familiar. Terrifying combat power, isn't it?"

That familiar has evolved significantly from before. Charging into enemy ranks, it crushes kobolds as if they were nothing, blows away the attacking Orcs, and strikes down the Orc Leaders with its claws. Truly a force to be reckoned with.

"Indeed. But there seem to be several times more enemies than reported."

As I speak to Masamune from the jeep's side, he gives a grim response, so I frown and look around. Just as Masamune said, there are already 200 corpses. It seems the enemy has brought quite a large army. There are still about 500 of these monsters remaining.

This situation would have been despairing a year ago. But now it's different. I've grown stronger, and I have reliable comrades.

"Make a hole in the center of the enemy formation."

Leaning out of the jeep's window, I aim my automatic rifle at the enemy formation, forming a grim expression as I mutter.

[Hyper Blitz]

Pulling the trigger, a shot with extraordinary power, wrapped in a crimson aura, is fired, instantly evident by its trajectory.

Leaving trails of crimson aura, the bullets head toward the heavily armored orc at the center of the enemy formation. Since I can't see the orc leader, it might be a higher-ranking creature.

The orc, clad in full-body armor and sensing my attack, grabs the neck of a nearby orc, using it as a shield.

The bullet hits the orc's torso, piercing through it, then continues through, piercing the torso of the orc behind, clad in metal armor.

The orc in full-body armor staggers and collapses, a hole torn in its torso.

[Rain Snipe]

Immediately, I aim into the sky and pull the trigger. A single bullet flies into the air, then curves, heading towards the orc group. It splits into several bullets, each hitting the heads of orc leaders precisely, smashing them into chunks of flesh. That's what a level 5 marksmanship skill can do. I'm glad to have allies like him.

"I'm out of mana."

But the fuel consumption is a problem. If it were a defender, they wouldn't run out of mana so quickly. But now, only the small fries remain among the enemies. Their leadership has completely collapsed.

"That's enough. Leave the rest to me! Cavalry, charge, and wipe out the enemy! Line up side by side!"

"Oorah!"

My subordinates respond, raising their spears, and I nod firmly. This is a new level of combat at level 3.

[Lance Charge]

Wrapped in a crimson aura, the cavalry form spear shapes and charge fiercely. Before the onslaught of ten activated skills from both kobolds and orcs, they were crushed and defeated. The cavalry defeats the enemies and emerges on the opposite side of the group, like crushing rice stalks. Most of the monsters have already been defeated, with only about 30 remaining.

"Did you see the power of [Lance Charge]! Let's wipe out the rest. Follow me!"

With a war cry, I wield my spear and charge alongside my subordinates.

On foot.

Of course, I got off before the Cavalry charged. It's still impossible to fight on horseback.

I've trained with the spear, and the enemies are just a rabble. There's no need for bullets. I mow down the enemies with my spear. I might be an old man, but my stats are high.

And so, after a while, the enemy is completely wiped out.

Ordering the collection of corpses, I sit on the ground, exhausted.

"We've defeated 700, so the pressure from the south should decrease."

"Yeah. It's a victory for our defense. It's unfortunate about the casualties..."

Two of them died before we joined forces. Damn it all.

"They were soldiers, so they were prepared."

"Prepared, huh..."

Masamune's words are true, but it's lonely. A year ago, it would've been the end once someone died. But now there's a future. I don't want to die before the old man if possible.

It's frustrating, but we repelled them with this number. I decided to focus on what we accomplished. A commander must prioritize joy over sorrow.

"It's everyone's victory! We've achieved a great triumph. Let's celebrate this victory! Look forward to your rewards!"

I rise and raise my spear, forming a triumphant smile.

"Oorah!"

"Bring out the booze!"

"We can boast to Kakaa!"

Everyone cheers and rejoices at Shingen's victory declaration. Observing their excitement,

"Pardon me! We've apprehended a suspicious man. He was trying to disappear, and we found this in his pocket. We caught this guy hiding with Dark Cat."

The man dragged with a shoulder bitten by the Dark Tiger and bleeding, is brought forward. My subordinate hands me something. It's a black hand mirror that looks undoubtedly cursed. Using a skill to vanish in this place. pitch black.

"I see. Let's contact the defenders."

If this hand mirror is the cause, we'll throw this guy into the dungeon.