"What... is this...? Am I dreaming?"

 

"No, Karen-sama. I can scarcely believe it myself, but this spectacle is indeed real."

 

Before the eyes of Karen and Maria, various weapons were converging upon the fortress city one after another.

 

From the sky, MV-22 Ospreys and UH-60 Black Hawks landed near the fortress city, disgorging numerous soldiers. CH-47 Chinooks unloaded various military supplies crammed into their cargo bays, including M777 155mm howitzers, their ammunition, and personnel necessary for operating the guns, using the sling load system on the underside of the aircraft capable of hoisting payloads of up to 12.7 tons.

 

Hovering overhead, ready to intimidate surrendered Imperial soldiers and swiftly neutralize any suspicious movements with its maximum firing rate of one hundred rounds per second, was the AH-6 Killer Egg, equipped with two M134 Miniguns, often referred to as "painless guns" due to their ability to kill a human target before they could feel the pain of being hit, and two M261 launch pods containing dozens of Hydra 70 rockets.

 

Then there was the MH-6 Little Bird carrying soldiers armed with Minimi light machine guns and M14EBRs.

 

High above these helicopters, F-22s patrolled vigilantly, still armed with missiles and machine guns in preparation for any enemy ambush.

 

Furthermore, from the direction of the Forest of No Return, tanks and armored vehicles approached the fortress city, their rumbling causing the ground to shake and dust to rise.

 

"What in blazes is that!?"

 

But it wasn't just Karen's group who stood speechless at this sight.

 

Commander Zayle Argus, leading the reinforcements from the Canary Kingdom that had arrived at the fortress city, was also taken aback by the sight of these weapons, even though he had seen many in his time, including the advanced air fleet, the pride of the Canary Kingdom, which had arrived ahead of the cavalry and the ageing but valiantly supporting forces.

 

"The First Division reinforcements have arrived."

 

"How is the First Division organized?"

 

Upon receiving the report of the reinforcements' arrival at the makeshift command post in the fortress city, Kazuya directed a question at the soldier who brought the news.

 

"Ah, the main units include mechanized infantry regiments, artillery battalions, engineering regiments, and armored squadrons."

 

"I see... I would have liked to deploy more armored units, but there's no helping it. Even if we can summon two and a half thousand vehicles, we can't equip them all for direct combat."

 

Aside from frontline equipment, there was still a shortage of vehicles—especially considering the need to deploy various specialized vehicles such as fuel trucks, ammunition carriers, heavy machinery, and fire trucks to bases and units.

 

By the way, due to the shortage of vehicles this time, the artillery battalions, which should have been operating vehicles such as self-propelled guns, MLRS, and HIMARS, were not equipped with them. Instead, they were supplied with the relatively light M777 155mm howitzers, which are easier to transport.

 

There are still relatively few that can be summoned. Well, their numbers and summonable quantity should increase after this battle, so we should manage somehow... Shall I check their abilities first?

 

[Summoning Weapons]

 

Weapons developed and manufactured up to 2013 can be summoned.

 

[Summonable Quantity and Unit Organization]

 

The current level is 60.

 

Infantry: 60,000 (one army)

 

Artillery: 5,500

 

Vehicles: 5,500

 

Aircraft: 3,500

 

Ships: 2,500

※ Personnel required to operate artillery, vehicles, aircraft, and vessels are summoned together when summoning these weapons.

※ Personnel for rear support (engineers, maintenance troops, communication troops, supply troops, medical troops, etc.) are not included in infantry and can be summoned separately. Currently, the personnel available for rear support summoning are up to the scale of the "Grand Army."

※ There are no restrictions on summoning heavy weapons and firearms within the range that infantry can operate.

[Help]

• [Notes on Abilities]

Summoning is possible even without using the menu screen, using voice or thought.

Once summoned military supplies, resources, and facilities can be removed, but people (soldiers) cannot be removed.

(It is impossible to remove the bodies of deceased soldiers. Furthermore, it is not possible to summon the same individual who has died again.)

Summoning abilities cannot be used "during combat."

NEW

Rear support personnel are now capable of active self-defence combat.

...Hmm? I wonder if these various changes are due to levelling up... Well, for now, I should finish the post-battle arrangements before thoroughly checking the changes.

With that thought in mind, Kazuya sighed as he looked at the sheer number of Imperial soldiers who had surrendered.

However, dealing with prisoners of war was going to be quite the challenge... And we seem to be short-handed. With the increased summoning capacity, perhaps I should summon additional units.

"Chitose, dispatch an Osprey for me. I'll summon additional units from an unseen location outside the fortress city," Kazuya commanded.

"Understood. I'll arrange it immediately," Chitose replied.

With his increased level allowing for a higher summoning limit, Kazuya assigned the task of dealing with prisoners of war to units summoned from an unseen location outside the fortress city.

Afterwards, seizing the opportunity, Kazuya hurriedly visited each base and summoned units, military supplies, and the like, before returning to the fortress city with his military preparedness in order.

Upon confirming that the manpower shortage had been alleviated thanks to the arrival of reinforcements, Kazuya gathered senior officers from various departments at a field base surrounded by barbed wire and fences, with tents erected hastily by an engineer regiment near the fortress city, and convened a military council.

As the council began, Chitose, serving as the moderator, read out the reports detailing the battle achievements.

"Firstly, regarding the results of this battle, thanks to the actions of the aerial squadron, approximately fifty enemy warships were shot down, with twelve of them crash-landing. Consequently, they have been captured. It has been discovered that these captured warships are equipped with engines called 'Magi Reactors,' enabling flight. Hence, the engineering regiment is currently transporting these engines to the forward base for research. Furthermore, we have captured crew members alive, so we should be able to quickly understand the operation and maintenance methods of the Magi Reactors. However, if we intend to utilize the Magi Reactors ourselves, it would be advisable to receive technical assistance from the Kingdom of Canaria regarding the technology surrounding them."

After flipping through the report, Chitose continued.

"Next, regarding the prisoners of war: approximately 100,000 Imperial soldiers have surrendered. Additionally, about 8,000 of them are comprised of nuns and female soldiers. Furthermore, there are around 200 nobles from whom we might be able to demand ransom."

Having concluded her report, Chitose took her seat, and Kazuya spoke up.

"Well then, regarding the matter of the Magi Reactors... I would like to inquire with the Technical Division whether it is possible for us to retrofit the vessels in our possession with these reactors."

Upon hearing Kazuya's question, the lieutenant colonel from the Technical Division responded.

"Yes, sir. It is believed to be possible. However, with only the twelve Magi Reactors we've captured, it's likely that we'll only be able to lift ships of destroyer-class weight or lighter."

"Understood. In that case, please continue the analysis of the Magi Reactors and investigate whether mass production is feasible."

"Roger that."

Having given instructions to the lieutenant colonel from the Technical Division, Kazuya shifted the discussion to the next issue.

"Now, regarding the prisoners of war... Does anyone have any good ideas?"

Unable to come up with a solution for what to do with the 100,000 prisoners, Kazuya scanned the faces of those present. It was then that Chitose raised her hand.

"Well then, Chitose, please share your thoughts."

"Hah, first transport the prisoners to the forward base, then gradually subject them to slavery――purchase subjugation collars from slave traders and affix them to the captives to place them under our dominion, ensuring they cannot rebel, and then send them to the primary base. During peacetime, they will be engaged in the management and operation of agricultural lands. However, when wartime arrives, they will be armed with spears and ordered to charge at the enemy. They are essentially expendable pawns."

...Arming them with spears to charge instead of rifles, it's akin to treating them like Soviet soldiers.

"Indeed. For now, that should suffice for handling the prisoners. However, refrain from sending them to charge with spears. Utilize them without killing them, leveraging their labour rather than their lives."

"Understood."

Agreeing with Kazuya's decision, Chitose nodded, prepared to move on to the next issue. However, at that moment, a soldier from the guard rushed into the tent in a fluster.

"Sir, it's urgent!! Commander!"

"What's the matter?"

"Sergeant Funasaka!! Sergeant Funasaka!!"

"What about Sergeant Funasaka?... Wait, but wasn't Sergeant Funasaka confirmed dead? You are aware of that, aren't you?"

The soldier, who had rushed in with a deeply alarmed expression, repeatedly uttered the name of Sergeant Funasaka, whose body was found in the corpse storage area after the Imperial Army surrendered, confirming his death. (It was revealed through testimony from Imperial Army prisoners that even after being captured, Sergeant Funasaka caused various disturbances. Furthermore, it was discovered that Sergeant Funasaka was responsible for blowing up the stored gunpowder on the day the Imperial Army surrendered.)

"T-That's because!! He, he has revived!!"

"What!?"

Everyone inside the tent reacted with incredulous surprise to the report of Sergeant Funasaka's resurrection.

"Sergeant!!"

Upon receiving the report of Sergeant Funasaka's revival, Kazuya hurriedly rushed to the infirmary where Sergeant Funasaka was being treated.

"Commander...?"

In the infirmary, Sergeant Funasaka lay on a makeshift bed, wrapped in bandages from head to toe, resembling a mummy.

"Don't worry about that. I'll heal your injuries now."

Saying so, Kazuya placed his hands on Sergeant Funasaka's body, activating his complete healing ability. Kazuya's hands faintly glowed, and Sergeant Funasaka's injuries rapidly healed.

"There, all good. Your injuries are healed, but just to be sure, take it easy for a while."

"Understood. Thank you, Commander."

After healing Sergeant Funasaka's injuries, Kazuya indicated that he should rest for a while and then left the infirmary.

Standing by the entrance, he instructed the medic who was waiting, to transfer Sergeant Funasaka to the forward base depending on his condition.

Having healed Sergeant Funasaka's injuries with his complete healing ability, Kazuya left the infirmary and was about to return to the tent where Chitose and the others were waiting.

"Please! Please have mercy!! Save this lady!! Please!!"

A desperate cry for help from a woman reached Kazuya's ears.

What could have happened?

Drawn by the anguished cry, Kazuya's steps naturally redirected.

"Hey, what's going on?"

Responding to the voice, Kazuya approached a soldier who stood still, gazing at something in the field hospital.

"Hmm? Well, this dying... woman? It's hard to tell from her appearance... The prisoners brought her here, pleading to save her. But even the medics said it's hopeless... Well, take a look. You'll see it's impossible—Wait, Commander!? Why are you here!?"

Finally realizing who he was speaking to, the soldier panicked, but Kazuya paid no heed and proceeded towards the group of grieving nuns.

"Oh my, this is dreadful."

Looking down at the charred remains of something at the center of the encircling group of captured nuns, Kazuya couldn't help but utter his dismay.

"Commander!! This area contains wounded enemy soldiers and prisoners!! It's dangerous, so please return!! Wait, Commander!?"

Ignoring the soldier's warning, Kazuya approached the mass of charred flesh, where both arms and legs had disappeared from the roots, leaving the entire body burnt black.

"You..."

"Please, give me some space. I won't cause any trouble."

With the nuns surrounding the mass of flesh moving aside, Kazuya once again gazed at the flesh before him.

Despite having lost all limbs and being thoroughly roasted, the faint movement of the heart... It's astounding that this thing is still alive.

"Please. Save Lady Cerisia..."

"Hmm, I'll do what I can."

While it would have been acceptable to leave the prisoner for dead, Kazuya, driven by both his innate disposition and a desire to test the limits of his partial understanding of complete healing abilities, decided to save the rolling mass of flesh before him.

"Tch... This is definitely a near-death state... It's going to drain quite a bit of magical energy."

Shading his hand and activating his ability, Kazuya poured more magic into his body, fighting against the overwhelming fatigue.

Then, limbs began sprouting from the regenerating mass of flesh, forming a human shape.

Furthermore, the skin all over the body returned to its natural colour, gaining moisture and elasticity, along with the regrowth of hair and body fur.

"An... An anomaly?"

"Incredible..."

"...I'm exhausted."

With the voices of admiration from the nuns and soldiers as background music, Kazuya, having finished activating his ability, stumbled backward and turned his gaze to the charred mass, only to find a stunningly beautiful girl lying there.

"Lady Cerisia!!"

"Phew, I'm glad you're okay... Hey, you there. Stop staring so much."

"I-I apologize!!"

While addressing the nuns crowding around the girl who had returned from the brink of death and regained her former appearance, Kazuya brought down a hand chop on the head of a soldier who had been staring at the girl's naked body.

"...Mmm..."

"Ah, Lady Cerisia!!"

"Thank goodness. Thank goodness!!"

"Oh, you're awake now. Here, put this on for the time being."

With the complete healing ability having brought her back from the brink of death, Kazuya handed over a jacket to the girl.

"I... I was burned in the inferno... I should have... died... Why am I alive... No, more importantly, what was that light..."

Taking the jacket from Kazuya with sleepy eyes, the girl checked her own body.

"It's alright, Lady Cerisia. You were saved by the grace of Lord Rowen."

"Now, Lady Cerisia. Let us offer prayers of thanks to the gods."

"... "

...It was me who saved her though.

Well, it's useless to say anything to religious fanatics.

Ignoring Kazuya's existence and contributions, the nuns continued their conversation.

It was at that moment, as Kazuya turned his back and began to walk away, that something triggered the girl, causing her to burst into a mocking laughter.

"T-thanksgiving prayers? Ahaha, ahahahaha!"

As if something had struck a chord, the girl erupted into laughter that sounded mocking.

"Lady... Cerisia...?"

The nuns, noticing that something was amiss with the girl, murmured in confusion, and one of them hesitantly asked.

"In the midst of that insane agony and the despair-filled darkness, to expect gratitude from me, who received no salvation or answers despite countless prayers, abandoned even by those who should have helped me?"

The girl spat out these words, then turned to Kazuya, her eyes burning with intensity.

"Oh, indeed... I can clearly feel it."

With a gaze that seemed to emanate from behind Kazuya, the young woman narrowed her eyes and wore a countenance of bliss. Through the thin, narrowed slits of her eyelids, her eyes held a frighteningly intense emotion, coated with madness, conveying sentiments of affection and adoration.

"Those who have yet to recognise divinity before them shall serve as mere fools to false gods. I... I offer my body, my heart, my soul to the one who truly deserves worship and devotion!"

Using a large staff that lay beside her for support, the young woman rose unsteadily to her feet and staggered towards Kazuya, eventually leaping into his arms as if he were a pillar.

"I dedicate myself entirely to you, and will follow you wherever you may go!"

"...?"

What... what is happening?

Caught off guard by the confession-like declaration of the beautiful girl whom he inadvertently embraced, Kazuya could only stare in bewilderment.

"Um... might I have the honour of knowing your esteemed name?"

"Uh, yeah, um, my name is Nagato Kazuya..."

"Nagato... Kazuya-sama. I am Sericia Fitzlork. From this moment forth, as a devoted follower, I beseech you to accept my humble servitude... I implore you... please..."

"D-Devoted follower? Hey, are you... unconscious?"

With only the essential words spoken, Kazuya held the unconscious Sericia in his arms, her innocent smile adorning her face, wondering what to do next in his perplexity.