Ch 24. The consequences of negligence
Two days ago, before I obtained my maids, I discovered a good camping spot with a nice view of the area. I was going to use it as my observation post before we head towards a forest. To safely move around we require a good way to scout the area before we try to cross the forest.
I was expecting that we will reach a hill by the evening but we reached it before the noon.
In the end my decision was to dare to approach the forest’s edge, spend the night there and the next morning continue traveling.
My flawless plan was with one huge flaw. The first scouting group immediately discovered some kind of a settlement deep in the forest.
The settlement was much bigger than what I previously encountered, it surely doesn’t belong to goblins. Neither it belongs to humans, my gut tells me. However, I can’t attack before I can confirm who lives there.
With the nightfall we had to make a camp by the edge of the forest and I had to reduce the amount of scouting fighters because it is much harder to land and I don’t want to lose any fighters on approach.
I realized my mistake after I heard planes above me. Rapid deployment activated and a group of fighters and a group of dive bombers are now flying above me. Whoever was nearby, they are hostile.
‘AWOOOOO!’
When I saw a movement nearby, I ordered bombers to attack. Two bombers made a half-barrel roll and steeply dived there. Both 250 kg bombs exploded near the targets. I immediately heard dinging but for now I should be ready for another fight. I need at least 5 minutes to prepare the planes for take-off.
“Hold them back while I prepare.”
“No problem, you still have some machines in the air. We will hold back the attackers.” (A)
The fighters were trying to rain down some fire but they are much less dangerous than proper CAS.
Two objects rushed out of the forest and attacked ‘Rogues’.
“Watch out! Werewolves!” (E)
“Better watch out for this!” I shot a barrage of foxfires, none hit the enemies but that gave my companions some time to prepare.
Elina shows some great swordsmanship, she slit the monster’s throat with a single hit. Albert does much worse, he was not hit but still he is under pressure.
The second monster is much smarter than its kin. Albert has a very tough opponent.
Even with Elina’s help Albert still struggles. And even I can’t call him bad. I sent two bombers to attack whatever tried to follow the first werewolves.
The planes are all armed and taxiing towards the catapults. I still need a couple of minutes.
“You, take whatever you can and help them.” I ordered my maids to join the fight. Soon more monsters will come and I was holding my reserves but considering how bad it goes I will have to risk my plans.
The maids have attracted the attention of the beast and that allowed the ‘Rogues’ to go offensive.
[The werewolf is much stronger than what I expected, I will have to test one of them after we are done.]
Meanwhile, the first planes started taking off. I still need some time before they will regroup and set on course.
“Fuji, we need your help!” (A)
“Just a couple of minutes!”
The second werewolf was slaughtered seconds before the next group rushed out of the forest. However, my aircraft already started the attack. All groups of B3Y started carpet bombing the forest. I can’t assist the frontline but I can at least bomb their reinforcements.
All 9 groups formed up above the battlefield and set course towards the incoming werewolves. Each B3Y carries 500 kg of bombs, even with my incomplete upgrades it counts as 9 t of bombs. That will make sure the enemy reinforcements will never arrive.
I am much stronger than the werewolves so I can fight at the frontlines. After I send my last flight I will be able to join the fight.
I decided not to rearm my planes to enter melee as fast as I can.
And then I facepalmed.
[Fuji, you are a complete idiot.]
BANG
Bang-Bang
I finally remembered that I have guns.
I decided not to fire close to the ongoing fight but I still can fire when the beasts are far from there.
My upgrades proved effective and soon the incoming waves were on the brink of obliteration.
Under constant aerial bombardment and fly-by gunning from the ones which already dropped their bombs, the werewolves were soon forced to retreat. Now I could land the planes and rearm. I was not expecting the attack and we almost regretted that.
It is a miracle that nobody was injured.