86―EIGHTY-SIX - (English) - Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Now, Let the Words Resound

 

In the battlefield of the Giad Federacy located in the northwest of the continent, during the dark winter, the battlefield is inescapable from the tyranny of the white devils.

 

Under the veil of incessant snowfall, the land itself freezes harder than iron. The northern frontlines, though harsh, are somewhat bearable. The true misery lies in the relatively southern regions, where the snowfall during the night melts halfway due to the daybreak and sunlight, soaking into the ground and turning it into a vast expanse into a muddy sludge in the southern and western fronts.

 

It’s not a sea of mud deep enough to immobilize tank-type Löwe and heavy tank-type Dinosauria. On the other hand, towed howitzers and transport trucks, which are not as powerful for their weight, and armored infantry often find themselves bogged down. At the bottom of the trenches, cold muddy water almost freezing seeps in constantly, sapping away body heat along with physical strength and morale.

 

Especially unfortunate are the infantrymen clad in steel-colored combat uniforms with snow camouflage overcoats, exposing their flesh to the elements.

 

The iron-colored forces trample over the trenches.

 

The surviving soldiers who had fought until the end somehow manage to crawl out, only to trip and fall with their frozen legs, crushed under the iron stakes of the tank-type Löwe without time to call for help. Their backs are mowed down while trying to escape the rotating machine guns. A cluster of 155mm howitzer shells self-detonates directly above the overrun trench, raining down a steel storm of self-forged projectiles to suppress the killing machines—this was the artillery support the soldiers had desperately called for in their final moments.

 

“Now shout! Take it back!”

 

The trench system is designed so that multiple trenches mutually support each other, pouring artillery fire from three sides upon the approaching Legion. Infantry burst out from the surrounding trenches, kicking up snow, and dive into the empty trenches under the cover of their remaining comrades. Those Legion units that survived the artillery strike are shot at point-blank range or eliminated by the scarce 88mm anti-tank guns, sliding into the trench covered equally in snowmud and the blood and flesh of their comrades.

 

The orderly trenches, typical of the Federacy’s, with precise right angles to dampen shockwaves, as well as the anti-tank obstacles of steel beams and concrete, have not shown a single sign of crumbling despite days of continuous combat.

 

The allied armored units are deployed for mobile defense and are consolidated in the rear, so they are not here.

 

Even so.

 

“The Vanagandr aren’t here, and the artillery guys are busy with support all over the place—so we have no choice but to defend this place on our own!”

†

Taking a break to light a cigarette has become a habit since the second large-scale offensive.

 

Exhaling a modest plume of purple smoke into the freezing air scattered with snowflakes. The daughter of an artillery commander, with black rimmed glasses and long black hair, surveys her battlefield, mottled with snow and mud.

 

Artillery combat involves deploying units to the rear, several tens of kilometers away, to bombard with heavy firepower. It’s not as frantic as the frontline trenches where the enemy is right in front of you, but requests for artillery support are constant as long as fierce battles continue on the frontlines. Her subordinates finally get a decent meal after a day of relentless combat—a combat ration pack with meat stew, and biscuits mashed up with hard bread biscuits, along with a break to smoke cigarettes and sip caffeine-added substitute coffee, just like her.

 

“It seems like the artillery had their hands full.”

 

When I look back with just a glance, it’s a familiar face of a young armored unit commander.

 

The armored units responsible for mobile defense are also in a tight situation, as they rush out to intercept enemy units every time the infantry trenches are breached. Yet, they manage to squeeze in time for resupply and maintenance in between.

 

Due to their excessive weight, armored vehicles require significant maintenance time, almost equivalent to the time spent in combat.

 

A non-commissioned officer approached, offering a light as I took out a cigarette. My panzer jacket is completely worn out, and my face is smeared with soot, heavily shadowed by fatigue, with my beloved steed behind me, its eight legs and steel belly covered in mud.

 

With only minimal maintenance unable to remove all the mud, and with little time for rest, it was back to the front lines.

 

“You armored guys, too. There’s no sign of the scrap metal assault subsiding, is there?”

 

“Unfortunately not. Looks like this one’s going to drag on.”

 

With a smile that didn’t reach his eyes as he held the cigarette, he only lifted the corner of his lips. After a long battle, fatigue had set in, yet there was still no sign of the situation improving. Without even a false smile, it would be unbearable to continue.

 

“I haven’t actually counted, but it’s just my gut feeling. …I feel like the number of Legion has increased since this offensive began.”

 

The daughter of the artillery commander frowned.

 

“Have the former Eighty-Six Legion finished their massacre in the Republic?”

 

“It feels like they’ve changed their tactics on top of that. They’re putting pressure on the entire front line by sheer numbers, but it’s not just a simple frontal assault. They’re singling out low-trained units based on their resistance, then insert their main forces to break through. In reality, several areas with a lot of replacement soldiers have been breached multiple times because of this.”

 

To compensate for the enormous number of casualties since the first large-scale offensive, many replacement soldiers have had their training periods shortened.

 

Due to the lack of education and training, their experience pales in comparison to the veterans who have survived the Legion Wars of the past decade. Making even the slightest errors in judgment, succumbing to fear, or simply by having bad luck – while veteran soldiers manage to endure even through hardships, it’s usually the newly recruited replacements who collapse first.

 

“Now, in order to reclaim lost ground, veteran units are being forced to make sacrifices again – it’s like last year’s large-scale offensive all over again, it’s been a crowded flight to heaven. The rear support can’t keep up, and the bodies just pile up, frozen solid.”

†

If it weren’t the end of autumn, I’d have let a bug crawl on your back.

 

Well, Vika suddenly said something, and Shin thought it must have been about Frederica’s true identity, which he seemed to have learned from Frederica herself.

 

Since it was information that Shin had kept hidden, not thinking it right to disclose others’ situations without their consent, but if Frederica herself decided to reveal it, then it was fine. Vika seemed to understand this, so her joke about bugs probably had some other meaning.

 

… However, a few days later, a peculiar incident occurred when a pitiful frozen butterfly was found, and it turned out that Lerche had only been unable to find it until then because he had really been looking for it.

 

In any case.

 

“What? Did you already know the location of the base? Then that means we were preempted by that artillery satellite during the operation planning.”

 

Now that it’s been revealed, there’s no need to hide anything else from Vika. In a conference room secured under some pretext, Shin, Raiden, and Vika gather around a table.

“The operation name, the anticipated troop strength, and the execution timing were all decided before the second large-scale offensive. – Now that the situation has changed, we are re-examining the information and reconfiguring the participating units.”

 

Operation Overlord.

 

The plan is to seize command of the Legion’s headquarters and establish a new commander using the blue blood of Empress Frederica. Commanding all remaining killing machines that still obey the Empire’s last orders to shut down or self-destruct— a major operation to end the Legion War in one fell swoop. Although it will literally be a life-saving operation for humanity, which has been surrounded on all fronts during the second large-scale offensive humanity was driven into a corner. This operation would literally be a desperate move to turn the tide.

 

“Originally, the volunteer regiment was supposed to be deployed, but due to the losses suffered in the second large-scale offensive, they have been reassigned to various fronts and cannot be moved from there. …However, it seems there won’t be much time for preparation.”

 

Before the meeting, Shin had confirmed the progress with Joschka, who had probably mentioned that elite units that had been preserved under the guise of the central reserve of the great nobles’ divisions would be deployed. In addition, consideration was being given to drafting more forces from the front lines to supplement the insufficient manpower.

 

The Strike Package remains unchanged in terms of participation in the Operation Overlord – So, if Lena has returned, Shin thinks that Frederica should also inform her and Grethe about the situation. Both Grethe, the brigade commander, and Lena, the operation commander, would need considerable time for planning, and it would be painful to keep silent about the hope for the end of the war forever. It seems strange that Vika is the only high-ranking officer available for consultation, and it might lead to a skewed flow of information.

 

And probably soon, Lena might start feeling a peculiar jealousy towards him.

 

It’s a significant concern for Shin but utterly irrelevant in the grand scheme of Operation Overlord. He tries to put these thoughts aside as he traces the map of the Western Front displayed on the holoscreen. Raiden seems to have caught on, raising an eyebrow, which makes Shin think about kicking him later.

 

“It seems that legion groups of corps size have newly appeared on the western front here. It’s not on the scale of the Republic’s annihilation… I think a country somewhere might have fallen, maybe in the west or south.”

 

It could be any of the countries in the South or the far West that had lost communication, or even those in the East, far East, or Southwest that haven’t been confirmed to survive for over a decade.

 

Vika snorts.

 

“Even in the United Kingdom, we have confirmed the infiltration of new forces on both the eastern and western fronts. The units in the east are likely the group that conquered the Fleet Countries, but the whereabouts of the units in the west are unknown. So, the speculation about the fall of other countries is probably correct.”

 

“The United Kingdom, a major nation, and even the Alliance of Wald in the mountainous regions are being pushed back. So it’s no wonder other countries are reaching their breaking point. …And the Federacy, if this drags on, it won’t hold up.”

 

Even while entrenched in their defensive positions, the rapid increase in enemy numbers has led to a significant increase in casualties. Despite recruiting volunteers from among refugees and deploying trainees and reserves, the Federacy’s forces, already stretched to their limits, won’t last long.

 

“It’s just like when Vika used all of Alkonosts units to retake the Revich Fortress. It’s going to be a struggle, but if we don’t come up with a solution now, we’ll be crushed.”

 

“Yeah… So once we have the minimum necessary troops and some confirmed information, I think we’ll have to move forward.”

†

Now that I think about it, I think this is actually the first time I’ve been entrusted with this kind of explanation.

 

“As for future plans… The Strike Package won’t be participating in any operations on any front for a while.”

 

Kurena speaks with a bit of excitement in front of the six battalion commanders and their deputies from the First Armored Group, including Michihi and Rito, and Shiden from the operations headquarters, gathered in the briefing room of the base.

 

Claude and Tohru, who sensed this, seem content to provide supplementary information, while Anju has been informed that it’s okay to be absent.

 

“So until the next operation comes down, it’ll be all about training… Vacations won’t be consolidated, but we’ll take turns resting a bit in between training sessions.”

 

“Yeah,” “Well, that makes sense.”

 

“And in the meantime, engineers from the Western Front will be coming to build a reserve base in the western part of the Zashifanoxa Forest near the base. We won’t be involved in the work, but we need to make sure the structure is sound.”

 

“Huh,” says Mitsuda, the leader of the Fifth Battalion, raising his head. “A reserve formation? …But isn’t the Saentis-Historics Line where the Western Front is now also a reserve formation? So is it a reserve for the reserve?”

 

“That’s because the Saentis-Historics Line has completed its reinforcement work and has become the main defensive position. We don’t want to retreat any further, but we can’t afford not to have a fallback position either.”

 

“…Ah, I see. If we don’t, we’ll end up trampling on farmland and factories. When we fall back.”

 

On all fronts, including the Western Front, the Federacy has been pushed back to the brink of battle territories. Although the vast land of the Federacy, the largest on the continent, could theoretically allow for further retreats in terms of sheer area, the next fallback locations are production territories, where farmland and factories that support the vast population of the Federacy are concentrated.

 

A single army group, with hundreds of thousands in depth, including rear echelons, would cover nearly a hundred kilometers. Retreating would essentially crush the entire outer production territories.

 

“So, we can’t afford not to prepare, right?” 

 

As Michihi looks up at the ceiling, indeed, defending the homeland means you can’t afford not to prepare, even if you’re determined not to retreat. Locan, commander of the 7th Battalion raises his hand.

 

“I understand about the operations and training, Kurena. What about reinforcements?”

 

“As for the reinforcements of the Reginleif, we’re expecting to have the minimum necessary numbers in place by the next shipment.”

 

Originally, the Strike Package was supposed to rotate one of its four armored groups for vacation, and some of its Reginleif units were to be returned to the manufacturer’s factory for inspection and full overhaul during that time. However, with all four groups being forced to participate in the operation simultaneously, and with both reserve units and units scheduled for inspection being pressed into service, it’s expected that this situation will be resolved for now.

 

“We don’t have enough to meet our requirements, but considering how busy transportation and factory work is as usual, and how hard Colonel Grethe has worked to gather these reinforcements, let’s not complain too much. And let’s try not to break them too much either.”

 

Claude supplemented the response when the battalion commanders, who were about to react to the “minimum necessary” part, smiled wryly and nodded, but Shiden narrowed her eyes.

 

“Well, understood, but I think you should be telling your battalion commanders that first, Claude.”

 

“Ah, yes, definitely. I’ll make sure to let them know.”

 

Claude nodded nonchalantly. Although it was meant as a joke, Kurena thought to herself that she should firmly emphasize later that they shouldn’t push themselves too hard.

 

Shin seems cold-hearted, but in reality, he gets heated up quickly… and Kurena is finally starting to realize that.

 

“Um, about the reinforcement of troops. The retraining of the combat territory civilians from Fortrapide City, and Wolfsland, has been completed, so they will be joining us. Basically, they’ll be accompanying infantry. We won’t have the luxury of borrowing from other units in the future.”

 

“…Basically, huh?”

 

As Kunoe, the commander of the 6thth Battalion, sighed, these reinforcements would also serve as replacements in case processors were killed in action.

 

“I hate it. …I thought I was used to it, but it still feels wrong when a comrade dies.””

 

Kurena thought to herself that when the Operation Overlord begins…

 

She can’t yet discuss the details of the operation with the battalion commanders here, nor with Lena who isn’t present. But eventually, she must talk about it.

 

Grethe, despite being a colonel, was not a noble, and therefore didn’t know Frederica’s true identity. However, as the brigade commander, she couldn’t afford not to inform her about the operation. They would consult with Shin and Frederica, observe the reaction from Ernst and the military high command, and before that, ask Bernholdt to meet with the combat residents and, oh yes, confirm the defense positions as explained earlier…

 

Sigh. Commanders sure had a lot to do.

 

Kurena secretly let out a sigh, her lips downturned.

†

“…Indeed, if we can identify that communication satellite, it could serve as one piece of evidence to verify whether Zelene’s information about the base is true or not.”

 

Determining the authenticity of the command base, crucial for Operation Overlord, is indeed the most critical piece of information that needs to be confirmed before the operation.

 

When Shin inquired about the communication satellite he heard from Zelene, Vika indeed nodded.

 

“If losing it means the surveillance-type Rabe takes over, then there should be regular communications between the base and the satellite. Identifying the satellite’s position shouldn’t be too difficult. After the recent artillery satellite attack, the Federacy should have verified the increase or decrease of satellites anyway.”

 

Artificial satellites, which are positioned at high altitudes and are unable to move from their orbits, can be detected from far away depending on the output of the radar, and under certain conditions, they can even be seen with the naked eye. Among the artificial satellites confirmed in orbit after the second large-scale offensive, those recorded around the start of the Legion War are likely to be the communication satellites in question.

 

“If we can identify both the base and the satellite, we can record the time of their radio transmissions. If we can confirm that communication is taking place, it would be evidence that they are indeed the base and the communication satellite… If we’re lucky, we might be able to send a stop command directly to the satellite from outside without going through the base.”

 

Although it’s possible to detect them on radar, that doesn’t mean it’s feasible.

 

“It’s impossible.”

 

“Well, that figures.”

 

Shin interrupted, and Vika nodded without concern.

 

If one could communicate with the communication satellite from anywhere and update the command authority, Zelene wouldn’t have considered the command base as the key to stopping the Legion. Since they couldn’t decipher the Legion’s communication codes, it would be difficult to spoof their communication. Moreover, it would be troublesome if military satellites were vulnerable to intrusion.

 

Meanwhile, Raiden interjected.

 

“Can’t you do it, the intrusion and spoofing?”

 

“I could try, but… come to think of it, Milizé asked me something similar before. It was about whether I could have sacrificed a few years at the front, neglecting my duties as a commander, and the development and improvement of the Sirin for the sake of pouring everything into AI development. But if I had done that, the front lines of the United Kingdom wouldn’t have held. So, I said that it wasn’t my intention and that we didn’t have the time.”

 

It might be possible, technically speaking, but not feasible resource-wise. Hence, “can do, but won’t.”

 

“It’s complicated…”

 

“Infiltrating the communication satellite would take about the same amount of time. May I skip it?”

 

Even though he knew his homeland wouldn’t last for years, the prince still spoke as if he could afford to wait. Raiden shrugged.

 

“That would be troublesome. Without the maintenance of the Sirin, even with Lena and Lieutenant Zashya in command, we’d be in trouble.”

 

“Thanks for the heads up.”

 

Vika seemed somewhat amused or pleased as she said this.

 

Now that he thought about it, Shin realized that he hadn’t heard the nickname “Prince” much since the previous operation.

 

“If the satellite is indeed operational, verifying it beforehand is essential. …But as for the base’s authenticity, this too would only serve as circumstantial evidence.”

 

“It’s better than nothing, and that’s essentially what intelligence work is about. …So, have you heard, sir?  Even though she couldn’t answer due to the ‘Merciless Queen’s’ restrictions on information touching on classified matters, the Intelligence Division interrogated her using the method of reading out the names of the deceased or missing VIPs from the last stronghold of the Imperial faction, one by one, and making Zelene repeat them.”

 

“Did they…?”

 

“Torture wouldn’t work on the Legion. So they managed to force it somehow?”

 

Vika looked completely amused, as if she had heard an amusing joke.

 

“So, they also used coercion. …They made Zelene repeat the names of those who died or disappeared in the last stronghold of the Imperial faction, and if she couldn’t answer, it was determined that the individual was a ‘Shepherd.'”

 

“……”

 

That was…

 

If Zelene tried to disclose the pre-Shepherd names, she would be warned of violating the prohibited items protection. If she could repeat them, the individual’s name would not be a Shepherd, but if she responded with “unable to answer,” it would be determined that they were a Shepherd.

 

“…Isn’t that a bit too forceful?”

 

They didn’t know how many people were on the list, but even if they were limited to important individuals, it would still be time-consuming and frankly, too ridiculous to imagine.

 

“With the interrogators changing over several days, it took days, and Zelene even hung up two or three times because her heat dissipation couldn’t keep up. Since it was just a confirmation of the interrogation procedure, the real thing would be even more daunting, right? Just coming up with suitable questions will be quite a hassle.”

 

“That’s too pitiful… both for Zelene and those who interrogated her.”

 

Shin agreed wholeheartedly.

 

And then it occurred to him.

 

“…Using that method, if we can figure out the name of the commander of the base in question. If there’s a recording of that person’s voice somewhere, I could verify whether they are indeed at the base.”

 

Ah, not just Raiden, but even Vika looked sympathetic.

 

“Well, not necessarily, the Imperial faction may not necessarily have the commander, but yeah…”

 

“So, they confirm the Imperial faction members they found as ‘Shepherds’ one by one, and just keep saying they’re the base’s commander. That’s pretty stupid, the second time around.”

 

To think that Zelene was being made to repeat such a ludicrous exercise endlessly.

 

Before the operation, Shin thought he’d like to visit her if possible, just to… well, listen to her complaints, among other things.

 

“But Shin, are you okay doing that? The front lines and the base are getting closer, increasing your burden.”

 

The distance between the combat zone and the base was still farther compared to the old 86th Sector. But the lamentations for the now-defunct Sheepdog Brigade were stronger than ever. As Shin felt, there were times when it was a little tough, especially since the second large-scale offensive.

 

With that in mind, Shin responded casually. It was true that it was a little tough, and while he appreciated the concern, but, once again… he’s managed to dig himself into quite the hole again.

 

“Yeah. So, I’ll leave the paperwork to you for a while, Vice Captain Shuga.”

 

“What!? You…!”

 

“…If that’s what it takes, fine, but in reality, it would be troublesome if you collapsed before the operation. It would be more efficient for you, who is trusted by Zelene, to handle the interrogation. It’s also a chance to rest, so stepping back for a while isn’t out of the question.”

 

Ignoring the groaning Raiden, Shin shrugged at Vika, who gave advice in an indifferent manner. …The Strike Package would definitely participate in the Operation Overlord. In fact, Shin had no intention of avoiding it, and probably none of his comrades did either.

 

Relying on his own strength and his comrades, fighting to the end was what the Eighty-Six were determined to do.

 

The meaning and goals of their fight may have changed significantly from their time in the 86th Sector, but the will to fight through remains unchanged for everyone.

 

Given that, it was inconceivable for Shin, as the commander, to leave the unit even for a short period, both in terms of maintaining his own skills and maintaining the morale of the entire unit.

 

“There’s no way around it.”

†

Returning from the training ground adjacent to the base were Anju and, for the first time in a while, Dustin in his panzer jacket. Frederica rushed to him, wondering if his return was finally allowed. Due to the Republic’s rescue operation, he had been excluded from both operations and training for a while.

 

“Oh, Dustin. Are you feeling better now?”

 

After asking.

 

Intuitively, Frederica lifted the corner of her mouth. He didn’t need to wait for a response.

 

“…Barely hanging in there.”

 

He looked completely exhausted.

 

Next to him, Anju, with a cool expression, smiled wryly.

 

“You’ve gotten quite out of shape, huh? Your motivation is back, but your body isn’t keeping up at all.”

 

“It’s embarrassing…”

 

“I think it’ll take some time to regain your physical strength and instincts… What should we do? I’m a bit too busy to spar with him every time now…”

 

This time, she was able to make time because Kurena, Claude, and Tohru said they could handle the briefing, but Anju was also busy with preparations and considerations for the counteroffensive Operation Overlord, as well as her usual duties as a squad leader. Of course, she wanted to support Dustin in his adjustment, but she didn’t want to shirk the responsibility she had to bear.

 

Still unable to lift his head, Dustin muttered weakly.

 

“Don’t worry about me, Anju… I know you’re very busy right now. I’ll ask Yuu, Ichihi, or… anyway, someone who’s free at the time, so it’s fine.”

 

He seemed unable to come up with the next name after mentioning the names of two members of the 6th Squad, probably because of fatigue. With his muddled mind, he probably blurted out everything he had thought about.

 

“If possible, I’d like you to train me… but we’re together every day during meal times, and we occasionally spend some free time together, don’t we? And I even displayed the dried flowers you gave me, and making a bouquet together was fun. So, that’s enough for me now. I don’t want to take up any more of your time.”

 

“D-Dustin!?”

 

Anju, flustered, looked around at Frederica and Dustin, and finally raised her head at Dustin’s flustered voice, acknowledging Frederica’s presence again.

 

Frederica was at a loss for how to react to the lovey-dovey scene unfolding before her, but she managed to muster up a loving, saintly smile.

 

“You both seem happy every day.”

 

“Come on…!”

 

Blushing, Anju hurriedly ran away.

 

Left behind, Dustin also stood frozen with a bright red face, and Frederica glanced up at him for a moment.

 

“…It’s good if you’re happy every day. Anju is my precious sister. If you ever make her cry, I won’t forgive you, even if I’m not Shinei, I’ll throw you into the Legion.”

 

Taken aback, Dustin looked back at Frederica.

 

“You heard that too…!?”

 

“Of course. I know everything from beginning to end, including the bikini!”

 

Dustin slumped where he stood.

†

“──For now, that’s about all we can figure out ourselves.”

 

“We’ll report and advise, and confirm the progress of the operation with Joschka. If the nobles start to grumble about extracting forces, I’ll make sure Ernst gets a kick in the butt to make something happen.”

 

“You’ve become quite assertive. You’re even using your lineage and connections to your advantage.”

 

“…There’s no time or room for hesitation.”

 

Shin’s response was not directed at Vika but he had a sharp gaze in his eyes.

 

His adoptive father, the President of the Federacy, Ernst.

 

Knowing him, he’d probably oppose conscription, which was fine, but it’s not his job to just oppose it, he needed to quickly pull out an alternative to conscription soon, it would be troublesome.

 

Laughing while saying that protecting children, people, and sacrificing no one should be the ideal that people should strive for even if it means sacrificing their lives, he himself should make desperate efforts to save humanity without having to sacrifice anyone, just as his ideals dictate.

 

Shin frowned as he thought. Yes, there was one more reason why Ernst didn’t immediately approve the Operation Overlord.

 

“And then… Frederica.”

 

With little time left and not enough troops, the military upper echelons may decide to take action while neglecting to contain the New Imperial faction, who are concerned with Frederica’s safety.

 

During the operation, even if they strengthen her surroundings themselves—given their past accomplishments and the essential role of Shin himself, who was a crucial key player for reconnaissance in the Spearhead Operation— If we pull in the forces of the great nobles composed of the Onyx and Pyrope, it naturally follows that the Pyrope troops will also participate in the operation.

 

Likely, the New Imperial Faction—specifically, Brantolote Archduchy, who’s maneuvering to take the emperor’s throne in place of the old imperial family—would be involved.

 

While the New Imperial faction probably won’t unnecessarily reveal the Empress’s presence, it’s still a battlefield. It’s necessary to anticipate that things won’t go as planned. In other words, there’s a possibility of it being exposed.

 

Raiden responded.

 

“Should we just declare her dead? Killed in Action?”

 

“If that works, then it’s fine, but…”

 

He wouldn’t mind bearing the slander of taking a young girl mascot to the front and even causing her death, but would that really fend off further scrutiny?

 

“…Vika, what about seeking asylum in the United Kingdom for her, in the worst case?”

 

“I understand your concern about it being a spark. But you know that’s a ticking bomb. Don’t ask for the impossible.”

 

It seems that was not an agreeable proposition, as the prince grimaced bitterly.

 

Then, with that bitter expression, he added.

 

“First of all, that discussion should involve the person herself. She has prepared herself in her own way. Don’t ignore that determination…”

 

It’s like he didn’t want the pride of the Eighty-Six to be neglected.

 

For a moment, Shin was silent.

 

It felt like a distant memory from a year ago, when he had just been sheltered by the Federacy, and his pride had been unintentionally hurt by the good intentions of Ernst, Grethe, and the Federacy people.

 

He was doing the same thing… without realizing it.

 

“…You’re right.”

 

“I’ll participate in considering countermeasures. Yes, if we pull out the pawns of the Great Nobles, the notorious Crazy Bones Division of the Nouzen clan will show up too. They already stand out for all the wrong reasons; we should just dump all the credit and the ensuing troubles on them.”

 

The fact that he quickly made a proposal shows that the prince is relatively good-natured. Vika shrugged elegantly at Shin and Raiden, with a look that seemed to say, “Just you wait and see.” Not directed at the two of them, but rather at the matter at hand: the notorious and conspicuously infamous Nouzen’s Crazy Bones Division.

 

“You probably don’t care about fame anyway. Just dump the whole thing on them. They might not want it, but that’s their problem to deal with.”

†

“The Marquis Nouzen and Marquess Maika wouldn’t be foolish enough to tarnish the name of their household with the heroics of the Eighty-Six in this situation.”

 

Or so claimed the next in line of the Nouzen family, with a smug look as if they understood everything.

 

Joschka, laughing heartily, casually slung an arm around Shin. As the forces to participate in the redefined Operation Overlord are being finalized.

 

“Not just Shin, but the entire Nozen family has ended up being thrust into the spotlight. Right, Lord Yatrai Nouzen, the division commander of the elite unit, the Crazy Bones Division that the Nouzen is so proud of?”

 

“…It’s a decision that’s better than wasting our elite forces in the current quagmire of a battlefield. Besides, if it’s a joint operation with the Pyrope, it’s not like only our brigade will be in the spotlight. So that’s why even you folks from the Maika House who like to play neutral decided to deploy the ‘Witch’s Owls Strix’ division, didn’t you?”

 

With a clear expression of distaste, Yatrai groaned and shook off Joschka’s arm, but such a retort hardly registered with Joschka, who pointed it out with a full-faced smile.

 

Although they were close in age and often talked due to being in the same army during wartime, Yatrai was ultimately of the Onyx, and moreover, a Nouzen. Joschka utterly despised him.

 

“It’s good for you. Even though you’re from a branch family and not so far removed from the current head, you’re becoming the successor. That’ll add a nice touch to your reputation.”

 

“I don’t want it at all!”

 

Netx to Yatrai, who was holding his head and screaming, was the deputy commander of the Crazy Bones Division and also, a prominent princess from a of a powerful branch family of the Nouzen clan and also Yatrai’s fiancée. She sat calmly with a face that said it had nothing to do with her, sipping her tea.

 

Then, the deputy commander suddenly looked up.

 

As Joschka stopped teasing Yatrai and turned around to increase the volume on the hologram’s control screen for the TV news that had been left on.

 

“Sorry, Your Highness. Was I being too noisy?”

 

“No, Lord Joschka.”

 

While saying this, the deputy commander still had her eyes on the screen. Her hair, tied up, swayed gently, a rich black color. Her eyes were a smoky, dark color unique to the Onyx, hidden beneath long black lashes.

 

“However… there was some concerning content regarding the maintenance of security in the rear areas.”

†

Speaking of reinforcements… that reminded Rito.

 

“Yuuto, isn’t it about time he came back? I wonder if it takes a long time for a fracture to heal?”

 

“Hmm,” as if groaning like a cat, Saki, who led the 4th Battalion as Yuuto’s proxy, responded.

 

“My injury is almost completely healed, but…”

 

With golden cat eyes hidden behind long black bangs, a slender, cat-like body. It was quite evident where the origin of his personal name, ‘Grimalkin,’ came from. Overall, she looked quite cat-like.

 

“It seems you can’t just jump back into combat right after being discharged from the hospital. You have to rest or recuperate at home even after being discharged.”

 

Normally, hospitalization is only during serious conditions under the supervision of doctors and nurses, and once that period is over, the principle is to switch to home care. That’s the principle, but…

 

“For us Eighty-Six, isn’t this base our home? When they mentioned sending me back to the base, they said they wouldn’t authorize my discharge because I’d probably overdo it during the recovery period. They said if I ignore the nurses and push too hard, I’ll get scolded.”

 

“…Isn’t that completely your own fault?”

 

With an incredulous expression, Tohru chimed in. Saki collapsed.

 

“Really, I wish he’d come back soon. I’m not cut out to be acting captain… Haven’t you heard anything about when he’ll return, Kurena?”

 

Faced with pleading eyes, as Saki looked at Kurena, who nodded. Of course, Kurena hadn’t asked either, but she could probably inquire with Commander in Chief Shin, the personnel staff officer of the First Armored Group, or even Brigade Commander Grethe.

 

“I’ll check on it.”

†

We need to make sure to avoid places where people are gathered from now on.

 

Yes, even though she thought so, as her consciousness slightly became clearer, she found herself in the midst of countless people’s presence and chatter. With her head still somewhat hazy, she glanced around cautiously.

 

It seemed to be a corner of the morning square, likely a market. The clear morning sunlight of winter illuminated the crisp air, and amidst the sacred light, crowds of people bustled about. Adults wrapped in warm coats or capes, children running around with scarves fluttering behind them. Stalls lined up with glass and metal decorations for the upcoming festival at the end of the month, heavy cakes dusted with golden butter or powdered sugar, an array of colorful candied fruits and jams.

 

She couldn’t stay here. Even though she couldn’t join everyone, she didn’t have much time left for herself. At least she needed to avoid involving unrelated people.

 

She thought so, but she couldn’t stand any longer. Without the strength to avoid the crowds and just stick to the edges, she stumbled onto the old cobblestone road.

 

She felt sick. Her vision blurred, cold sweat trickled down. Her consciousness was fading again.

 

Something lurking deep within her body was consuming her at this very moment, growing rapidly from within.

 

There was no time.

 

There really was no time left at all.

 

But she had neither the strength to stand up nor to crawl. Her deteriorating body couldn’t even utter a word. Even the sense of duty and urgency to avoid involving others and the fear of her impending fate were dulled and dissolved in the sluggish and heavy spinning of her thoughts.

 

Dark shadows fell thicker into her dimming vision, and when she managed to lift her gaze somehow, there was a figure kneeling in front of her. An older woman peered worriedly at her as she crouched down.

 

“What’s wrong? Are you suffering from Anemia? Do you need to go somewhere to lie down? Would you like something warm to drink?”

 

Truly concerned voices.

 

Despite suddenly squatting in the middle of the street, she couldn’t hear any annoyed voices from the surroundings, nor could she hear the nearby stall owner stepping forward to lend a hand or the elderly couple offering her a bench.

 

Ah.

 

She didn’t want to involve anyone.

 

Especially, she didn’t want to drag such kind people into her mess.

 

She desperately squeezed out her voice.

 

Just one word, somehow, she managed to utter it.

 

“Run.”

 

That became her final word.

†

It seemed the black dog sensed that Lena’s recuperation was almost over.

 

Already leaving? Just a bit longer! Lena, who was regretting the parting, felt a bit, no, quite a bit, of a desire to take him back with her. However, that wouldn’t be possible, and she worried that Shin would get jealous or something… She raised her head at the news that flowed after the situation on the Eastern Front.

 

In the sanatorium, to avoid burdening the patients, news programs, especially those reporting on battle situations, are not broadcast in communal areas like the dining hall. However, completely cutting off access to news might make some feel isolated from society and the battlefield, so some lounges allow news viewing. Lena had come to check the current state of the war in preparation for her return, but unfortunately, because of the black dog’s dark body that had barged in after her, Lena couldn’t see the TV screen at all.

 

“…an explosion incident?”

 

“Galenice City… It’s a town in the southern part of the former imperial territory, right? There was an explosion at the morning market there this morning.”

 

A nearby sergeant added, Lena managed to look at the screen, avoiding the black dog that intruded into her field of vision while wagging its tail busily. Subtitles & headlines followed the caster’s words.

 

The cause of the explosion is unknown. Authorities are currently investigating, considering both an accident and an incident.

†

In addition to daily meals, Yuuto had procured a hand-cranked radio.

 

It was bought to check on the war situation, but it also allowed them to listen to music programs and radio dramas. It provided a modest pleasure during the slow progress on foot and breaks to rest their weary legs.

 

Waiting for Yuuto, who had gone to a nearby town for food supplies, they listened to the radio, enjoying this small pleasure. Their temporary shelter from the previous day was an old, unused tunnel leading to the town, unlikely to see people during the day due to its state of disrepair and the faded path.

 

“It’s almost time for our usual drama,” Imeno, a bit chubby and fluffy like a chiffon cake, leaned forward to Ran, who was becoming a regular with her serious glasses in the morning radio routine.

 

“Yes, it is,” Ran reached for the radio dial, just as the news program was switching to the next news item.

 

Ran, Imeno, Chitori, and everyone froze.

 

It was the news they feared.

 

“An explosion incident…”

 

“…Galenice City, isn’t it?”

 

“I believe… the family that took in Saya is nearby… …”

 

One of their companions from the laboratory, one of the Fawns.

 

The last one they had called to join them on their way home… who ultimately couldn’t reunite with them.

 

Ah, Chitori covered her face.

 

That’s why she had called them to come together. Saya surely wouldn’t have wished for this to happen.

 

“We didn’t make it…!”

†

“You’re a new face around here, aren’t you, buddy? A refugee from the dominion, perhaps. Buying quite a lot again, I see.”

 

“Yeah. My sisters are tired and cold, but hungry, so they asked me to go shopping.”

 

“Ahaha. You’re a good brother, taking care of your precious sisters like that.”

 

The woman at the fried bread stall didn’t doubt Yuuto’s excuse and packed some freshly fried bread into a paper bag for him, along with trout and mushroom cream stew and candied fruits.

 

With the bag still warm in his hands, Yuuto readjusted the backpack filled with non-perishable food supplies and headed towards the abandoned tunnel on the outskirts of the town where Chitori and the others were waiting.

 

He quickened his pace just enough not to arouse suspicion, due to the isolated location of the abandoned tunnel, chosen in consideration of the girls who couldn’t be near others. He didn’t want to negate the kindness of the woman. Moreover, providing a warm meal was a natural precaution for maintaining strength during the winter battlefield and camping.

 

It’s simply common sense, not something that requires special consideration, but each time Yuuto brings back warm meals along with the food supplies, the excessive gratitude from Chitori and the others felt a bit odd to him.

 

Being overly thanked just for bringing simple street food or canned food warmed over a fire—considering Chitori and the others had been camping out repeatedly yet couldn’t even light a single campfire.

 

…Maybe they are different.

 

They’re different from us, the Wiretap Children—and us Processors, who have been hardened on the battlefield.

 

They have clean, beautiful hands, unsoiled by blood and death, unlike us who survived by stepping over the bodies of our comrades.

 

“Hmmm…”

 

Yuuto stopped in his tracks at a street corner, listening to a radio broadcast about an explosion incident in the capital’s city.

 

But his frown wasn’t due to the incident itself. He had heard from Chitori and the others that the original group of Fawns was much larger than the seven who were currently with them. It’s unlikely that all the many Fawns who disappeared like Totori recently would die unnoticed somewhere.

 

Someone, eventually, might die in front of others.—Or worse, they might drag others into their own death. Yuuto had feared this, which is why he entrusted Amari with the report to the Federacy Forces, without mentioning it in front of Chitori and the others.

 

What made him suspicious was the broadcaster’s words about the explosion’s cause being unknown.

 

He had entrusted the report on the ‘Fawns’ to Amari, so there shouldn’t be any unknown causes regarding them. Yet it seemed like they knew nothing about the ‘fawns,’ as if the report hadn’t reached them.

 

“Hasn’t the report been received? Could something have happened to Amari…?”

 

No.

 

“…Am I being suspected?”

 

Although he wasn’t on the front lines, Yuuto had left his post without permission and cut off communication, so he must be considered a deserter.

 

The testimony of a deserter wouldn’t be taken seriously, especially if it’s as fantastical as this.

 

…It was all for nothing.

 

Shaking his head, Yuuto left the scene.

†

“If that’s the case, then it’s possible that a country in the east has fallen.”

 

Upon conveying information and suggestions related to the Legion command base, as well as the increase of Legion on the western front, Joschka grunted from the other end through the Para-RAID.

 

“The pressure is also increasing on the eastern front and the neighboring southern and northern fourth fronts. The first fronts neighboring to the western front, north and south, are the same. Additionally, the frequency of Legion offensives is increasing on the second and third fronts, north and south—so we should assume that the increased number of troops has spread even there.”

 

The situation was worse than Shin had anticipated. While his unique ability allowed him to perceive all activity within the old national borders of the Republic, even he couldn’t keep track of every front across the vast territory of the Federacy. He had considered that one or two other fronts might also see an increase in enemy numbers.

 

Joschka sounded troubled.

 

“We might need to expedite the operation, even if it’s a stretch. If the number of Legion continues to increase at this rate, we can’t afford to wait until April.”

 

The scenario where the remaining human territories fall, and the Legion groups facing them joined the battlefield of another country. If the country they join is already at its limit, it too may fall due to the increased number of enemies. Then, the freed-up Legion forces would appear on another battlefield. If this chain reaction continues, even the Federacy’s battlefront will collapse.

 

Moreover, the Federacy would lose if it becomes unable to muster the necessary troops for the Overlord operation.

 

“It looks like conscription is going to be necessary after all.”

 

“Well, it’s within the realm of possibility, I suppose. Although I hate to say it, they might resort to it as a temporary measure to fill in the gaps. Even those folks can manage to supplement the shortage of armored units with sheer numbers during the operation.”

 

It’s just about making up the numbers. In other words, not expecting any physical strength, potential, or combat capability from them. Just being able to stand, walk, and pull a trigger a few times is enough for them to be usable and then disposed of.

 

Even so, if enough numbers are gathered, they can form a rudimentary force. The power of a bullet doesn’t depend on skill or morale, and even poor accuracy can be compensated for with sheer numbers. If they’re considered disposable anyway, there’s no need for selection, and training efforts can be minimized, making it easier to gather the numbers. Of course, once deployed, they would likely be killed immediately.

 

The Overlord Operation would undoubtedly result in a massive number of casualties.

 

“Thanks for the additional information and suggestions on the base. Oh, and could you ask the Prince if it’s possible to provide Sirins for reconnaissance? I want to send out scouts around the base.”

 

“I’ll mention it.”

 

“…I apologize for taking advantage of you, especially regarding reconnaissance.”

 

“No problem,” I replied, then added, thinking of the Overlord operation’s details, which would likely be decided by people higher up than Joschka.

 

If it’s possible, I don’t mind having her assigned to the Strike Package during the operation.”

 

He returned a meaningful smile.

 

“I don’t mind that, but… don’t let her go missing after everything’s over, okay? If she disappears in the chaos of the battlefield, there’s no finding her again.”

 

Understanding the implication, Shin grasped the underlying message.

 

If she went missing on the battlefield, Frederica would no longer be pursued. Or rather, they wouldn’t let her be pursued.

 

At least for Joschka — and presumably for the House of Maika — Frederica’s value lies solely in stopping the Legion war and not giving any more authority to the House of Brantolote.

 

“That’s true. Especially since causing her to be listed as KIA would be irreversible.”

 

“The worst-case scenario. Even a nosy, unpleasant old lady would cry over that. So, take good care of her, big brother.”

 

Taking great care, and meticulously preparing to avoid any suspicion from the Duchess of Brantolote, then fabricate a clear-cut death if necessary.

 

Perhaps it would be best to obliterate her with a direct hit from a tank cannon, considering even burning her mech might leave remains.  Shin recalled the final moments of countless soldiers he had seen all too often in the 86th Sector,  as he pondered about how to execute this plan.

 

Then, Joschka suddenly remembered something and asked,

 

“Oh yeah, while you’re at it, another thing. There aren’t any self-propelled mines or anything else from the Legion sneaking around near Sankt Jeder, are there?”

 

Shin found the question odd — considering the geography of the Federacy, with Sankt Jeder being far from the battlefield — but confirmed as asked and he replied that there was none. 

 

To be precise, he did hear the faint cries of a few machines, but their voices were extremely soft and clearly coming from high above, so he suggested they might be Eintagsfliege units carried by air currents. Indeed, it’s a rare occurrence for these lightweight units with weak wings.

 

Wondering what it could be, Shin removed his Raid device and left the empty meeting room. As he approached a lounge, he heard Guren’s voice from inside.

 

“Wow, not again?”

 

“It’s somewhat eerie, isn’t it? To have such a series of incidents without any declaration of responsibility,” Guren and Touka were discussing the news program that they habitually tuned into around this time. Hearing the content of the news leaking out, Shin realized what it might be about.

 

“…Is it about this?”

 

The last thing Joschka had asked about was the series of explosions in the capital region and adjacent central territories. Now considered to be acts of suicide bombings, there have been over ten such incidents since the event in Galenice city, with the perpetrator and their motives still unknown.

 

Joschka and those above him might have been worried that self-propelled mines camouflaged with the optical stealth of the Eintagsfliege might have infiltrated even to the distant capital region. While not entirely impossible, it would be detectable by Shin in the western front, and self-propelled mines are unmistakably non-human to any observer, which would have quickly led to reports not of suicide bombings but of an infiltration by self-propelled mines.

 

Thinking this, however, Shin furrowed his brows. It wasn’t self-propelled mines, but precisely because of that…

 

“…The residents around the capital must be anxious.”

 

Though the number of deaths seems low for acts of terrorism, it’s not zero, and the thought of oneself or one’s family being caught up in such incidents would not be comforting regardless of the numbers. With the timing and locations being random and the perpetrators’ intentions unknown, there’s no way to avoid them.

 

Hoping for some clarity soon, Shin continued on his way.

†

The series of suicide bombings puzzled the investigators too.

 

The bombing sites were completely random in terms of location, time, and crowd density, seemingly without any pattern. The bombers died without leaving behind any manifesto or even a single word, making it impossible to guess the motives or objectives of these perpetrators. The only commonality was eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage indicating that all the bombers were teenage girls.

 

“Again. There’s evidence of explosives but nothing else,” one investigator noted, baffled by the absence of bomb components like codes, detonators, radio receivers, timers, or shrapnel enhancers at any of the sites.

 

This resulted in direct victims of the explosions being surprisingly few for such incidents. Those immediately nearby were indeed casualties of the blast, but more often, people were injured or killed trying to escape or in stampedes. In some cases, the bomber was the only casualty, they were blown to bits as if the explosives were wrapped around their entire bodies or as if they exploded from within.

 

Eyewitnesses and surveillance footage further confused investigators.

 

“…She said, ‘Please run away,’ didn’t she? before detonating?” one recounted, though the intended listener was blown away before they could respond. Another bomber was seen avoiding people before dying in an alleyway, pausing only for a stray cat before exploding.

 

What perplexed everyone the most was the minimal casualties despite detonations in urban areas, as if the bombers were trying to avoid victims. Some even detonated in deserted buildings or in the middle of vast, empty fields.

 

Suddenly, an investigator leaning close to a monitor screen muttered, “I’ve seen this girl somewhere before…”

 

“In the midst of the stirred colleagues, the investigator, still focused on the monitor, furrowed his brow as he tried to recall. It didn’t come to mind immediately. It wasn’t someone he knew personally but…”.

 

“It was just recently. The searchers’ notice…  Yes, it was from the military’s information sharing…” the investigator nodded as he remembered. At that time, it was all girls, and he thought it was odd.

 

“It was one of the Eighty-Six who escaped capture from the ‘Wiretaps.'”

†

Although Amari reported immediately as Yuuto requested, that disagreeable military police officer immediately dismissed it outright as a lie and didn’t cooperate. Moreover, he focused more on his “desertion.”

 

She was questioned extensively about where and why he had gone, and when she said he went back to the Republic, they didn’t believe her. Knowing they wouldn’t believe her anyway, that’s why Amari had said it.

 

It seemed she wasn’t considered an accomplice, but restrictions were placed on her leaving the sanatorium. Returning to the Rüstkammer Base seemed to be off the table, and with too much time and energy on her hands, Amari ended up loafing around in the lounge.

 

A shadow fell at the entrance, and turning her eyes while still slumped over the table, it was that disagreeable military policeman.

 

He looked around for her, then quickly approached with a purposeful stride. Amari frowned tightly.

 

“…What is it? I’ve already told you everything there is to tell.”

 

The military policeman responded with a stern face.

 

Another person, an unfamiliar older military officer with higher rank insignias, was beside him.

 

“That’s right. It was us who didn’t listen properly. You said you had reported, and we didn’t follow up on it. My apologies… Please, from the beginning, tell us everything again. Everything you know, everything you’ve heard.”

†

“…The Federacy is not as united as I thought,” says Annette, who has become his regular tea-time buddy as they watch the news reports of the suicide bombings. Theo turns his green eyes toward her. Furthermore, colleagues have been teasing them whenever they see the two together, but it’s not that kind of relationship.

 

Annette furrows her thin eyebrows, gazing up at the large TV in the food court.

 

“Liberation Fronts, Noble Alliance, Purification Society, and so on. They keep throwing around names of various organizations when discussing suspects. Well, the Liberation Front, during its time as part of the empire, might have had independence movements I guess..”

 

“…Yeah”

 

Theo has heard most of what the Federacy, or rather the Empire, has to say about this and that.

 

“Originally, there were various conflicts even back in the days of the Empire.”

 

If you were in the Federacy Army, it would be hard to overlook the conflicts between former nobles and citizens, the tensions between Onyx and Pyropes, and the oversight of combat territories that I heard from Bernholdt.

 

Although this is the Federacy and not the United Kingdom, conflicts between citizens existed, and even among the same subjects, disputes over being Iola or Taaffe were common. Even among the Eighty-Six, cases of exclusion based on mixed blood with Alba or the Imperial noble bloodline occurred, suggesting similar incidents in the Empire.

 

People tend to harbor resentment or exclusion towards others just because of differences in language, culture, class, innate colors, or even trivial matters.

 

“Kurena mentioned there was a unit sent in opposition to Shin’s grandfather. If the military’s upper echelons still operate that way, then it might be the same anywhere in the Federacy. I wonder if… and–,”

 

Theo halted and turned as the footsteps, whose approach he had keenly sensed, came to a stop. A group of military police officers, distinguished by their armbands, halted beside the table. They acknowledged Theo with a brief nod before redirecting their attention to the stunned Annette.

 

“Pardon. ーAre you Major Henrietta Penrose?”

†

From the hospital’s nearest base, Lena was transferred to the capital’s base for a connecting flight.

 

Upon arrival, she was greeted unexpectedly and blinked in confusion.

 

“Um…?”

 

“We have been waiting for you, Colonel Vladilena Milizé.”

 

He appeared to be around Lena’s age, suggesting he might also be a specialist officer. His gaze, though earnest, seemed unfathomable, set in a face framed by black hair and eyes, characteristic of the Onyx race.

 

His rank was that of a second lieutenant, and although he claimed to have been waiting for her, Lena had no recollection of meeting him… Ah.

 

He was the aide who always stood silently beside Brigadier General Willem Ehrenfried, the Chief of Staff of the Western Front.

 

“Please come with us. Quietly.”

†

Dustin stood up abruptly at the news from the first cafeteria of the Rüstkammer Base, displayed on the large TV in the corner.

 

The identities of three of the suicide bombers were revealed: Hina Shinaga, Saya Hiyo, and Yuukiri Hakuro.

 

All were Eighty-Six reported missing, and the police were searching for others who had disappeared around the same time as persons of interest. They advised not to approach them if found, but to notify the authorities instead.

 

Among the displayed photographs of several girls, one particularly stood out.

 

Her hair was the color of flax, her eyes the hue of wisteria. She had a delicate, kind face, as if carved from porcelain.

 

He couldn’t forget.

 

It had only been a decade; there was no way Dustin could fail to recognize her.

 

A classmate, a childhood friend.

 

A friend who, like almost everyone from their hometown, was supposed to have been taken away to the 86th Sector that night and likely perished.

 

“…Chitori…!?”

 

The newscaster emotionlessly announced the girl’s name as Chitori Oki.

†

Lena did not return on the scheduled day. Instead, astonishingly, a message about her detention arrived.

 

Technically, it wasn’t described as “detention” or “restraint” in the communication, but since she had been forcibly taken and confined against her will, it amounted to detention. Without Lena having done anything, the treatment she received was entirely unjust.

 

“What is this about?”

 

Shin, who pressed for answers, was met with no reproach from Grethe behind the desk.

 

“There has been a security issue. Though, it’s not Colonel Milizé’s fault… Captain, have you been following the news about the series of suicide bombings?”

 

Shin frowned in confusion in response to the peculiar question.

 

He routinely checked the news content during breakfast, so he was aware of the general situation… Indeed, just before coming here, he had passed by the lounge where the TV mentioned something key suspects related to the suicide bombings.

 

Grethe didn’t even realize that she hadn’t called it a terrorist incident.

 

“What is the criminal’s objective?”

 

“Not their objective, but their cause… You’ll need to ask her for details. I’ll explain after that.”

 

Prompted, Shin looked towards the direction indicated. Standing up hesitantly from the reception set, which he hadn’t noticed until then, was Amari.

 

One of the injured from the battle at the Mirage Spire in the Regicide Fleet Countries, who had been recuperating in the capital. Her scheduled return to the base was due soon, but he hadn’t received any notice of her discharge.

 

Amari looked strong-willed but was visibly flustered.

 

“I’m sorry, Captain. I thought I had reported everything, but in the end, it turned out like this…”

 

“Amari, that’s alright. First, explain to me. And…”

 

There was another person who was supposed to return with her, given they were recuperating in the capital and due to return around the same time.

 

“Where’s Yuuto?”

 

†

 

Upon entering a room at the military headquarters, Annette, who had been anxiously sitting at the edge of a sofa, stood up.

 

“Lena!”

 

“Annette, you too…!?”

 

As they rushed towards each other and embraced, playful mimicking the act of clinging to one another, all while exchanging smiles with those calm, silvery-white eyes.. Lena returned Annette’s relieved smile with one of her own before turning to the other person who had entered after her.

 

Her demeanor changed dramatically.

 

“Please explain, Lieutenant. What exactly is going on here?”

 

“It’s part of security measures.”

 

The young officer who had practically brought Lena to this small annex of the General Staff Headquarters in Sankt Jeder responded calmly.

 

After placing the trunk and Teepee carrying case beside the sofa set in what appeared to be lavish accommodations for high-ranking officials, he continued.

 

“I believe this is the first time I am meeting Major Penrose. Let me introduce myself again. I am Lieutenant Jonas Degen, assigned to the staff of Brigadier General Willem Ehrenfried, Chief of Staff of the Western Front.”

 

He repeated the name and affiliation he had given upon welcoming Lena, he met the gaze of the twin pairs of silvery-white eyes and seamlessly transitioned into discussing his true role—a detail he hadn’t disclosed to Lena.

 

However, at the moment, I am acting under the House Ehrenfried as a representative of House Degen. In other words, you two are under the protection of my master, Willem Ehrenfried, and thereby, the Ehrenfried House. This is a measure taken to demonstrate to both the military and the public.”

 

Lena frowned, puzzled.

 

“Protection?”

 

“Yes, protection.”

 

Jonas nodded without any sign of remorse.

 

His straightforward and slightly youthful face, coupled with a cold and stoic expression, concealed both emotions and intentions.

 

“I apologize for the suddenness of this. However, this is related to matters concerning you both. Due to someone failing to report to their superior, which has put us in this predicament…”

†

“It may not be a suicide bombing but a new type of self-propelled mine.”

 

The commentator’s voice and expression on the national broadcast had become consistently tense, and the content was equally tense.

 

“Each one of them is a missing Eighty-Six, part of the group of young soldiers rescued from the Republic about a year ago, numbering around ten thousand. It’s entirely conceivable that among those ten thousand, there were self-propelled landmines indistinguishable from humans.”

 

No, that’s inconceivable. It’s ridiculous.

 

Theo thought irritably about the far-fetched reasoning. Even accounting for Shin’s special ability, such speculation seems far-fetched, and Theo’s irritation isn’t just due to this but also because Annette was taken away right in front of him, and he couldn’t do anything about it. The military police were polite but firm, and despite their courteous demeanor, Annette was clearly confused and frightened when suddenly surrounded and taken away without explanation. Theo tried to intervene but was restrained by one of the military police.

 

He questioned the military police officer about what was happening, but was only told that it was a security measure. Although Theo knew that the military doesn’t share unnecessary information as a principle, he couldn’t help but feel emotional.

 

His colleagues, who had witnessed everything, left him alone, feeling his sour mood. Only the news program, oblivious to such awkwardness, continued emotionlessly.

 

“Or it could be a new type of biological weapon from the Legion. Either way, it’s thought that a considerable number of the Legion infiltrated during the large-scale and hasty evacuation by the military during the Second Large-Scale Offensive.”

 

The conversation among his colleagues, as they looked at the shared large television, had a dumbfounded tone.

 

“A biological weapon? What does that even mean? There’s no way there’s a virus that turns people into bombs.”

 

“Maybe they think it’s some kind of monster born in a laboratory or something.”

 

“It’s like something out of a movie. Have they ever seen a real self-propelled mine? You’d have to be completely blind to mistake those for a person.”

 

With no eyes, nose, mouth, or even a proper face, and often with limbs twisted in unnatural directions, they move on all fours like beasts. It’s the chaos and frenzy of the battlefield, and the way they slip into blind spots, that catches people off guard—not because they could ever be mistaken for humans when seen directly.

 

“Well, if they were made to look exactly like humans, then yeah, it’d be hard to tell. …but they can’t make biological weapons, let alone humanoid ones.”

 

It’s a common joke among the Federacy military. 

 

The Empire had prohibited the Legion from creating and using not only biological weapons in the true sense of the word, but also “monster-like biological weapons” like those in movies to prevent any loopholes that might allow these learning and evolving killing machines to escape control. This overly strict definition led to situations where the Legion, while being an Imperial weapon, couldn’t cooperate with Imperial soldiers because even a human registered as a friendly force holding a knife would trigger a protocol violation and be disarmed.

 

“Seriously, if there were such things, the front lines would be full of self-propelled mines by now. Especially those Eighty-Six who’ve been fighting the Legion in the 86th Sector for years.”

 

“Hey,” another person chided, and the one who spoke made a face as if realizing something.

 

As they cautiously glanced over at Theo, he waved them off with a hand, saying, “Yeah, yeah.”

 

This time, he couldn’t say it was okay.

 

The news program, as expected, didn’t take such an awkward atmosphere into account.

 

“With that being the case, similar precautions might be considered for the front lines. In other words, our Federacy soldiers might unknowingly be fighting shoulder to shoulder with self-propelled mines. Or perhaps, the possibility exists that the front lines are already occupied solely by self-propelled mines…”

 

“Like hell they are!”

 

They both dismiss the ridiculous suggestion.

 

The earnest and even tense way they seriously discussed such an implausible theory was far too amusing for the soldiers on the front lines, who had little in the way of entertainment.

 

“What!? Are you serious? So, are we actually self-propelled landmines!”

 

One exaggeratedly feigned shock, prompting laughter from everyone gathered around the radio during a break in their mealtime, which they managed to have in turns for rest, albeit barely.

 

“Wow, I had no idea. What a shocking revelation.”

 

“Uh-oh, I might explode! I better go back to Mama Legion!”

 

They laughed heartily, mimed agony, and joked about disliked superiors, incompetent new recruits, and volunteer soldiers from the Republic, suggesting any one of them could actually be a self-propelled mine.

 

— If, by chance, there were actually self-propelled landmines sneaking into the rear.

 

The thought that their families and friends living there might get hurt by these mines made them slightly anxious, and they wanted to laugh it off to dispel those feelings.

 

Jonas said, with his cold, jet-black eyes speaking volumes.

 

“You’ve seen the reports of the series of suicide bombings, haven’t you? The suicide bombers–although they are also victims in a sense…”

 

Amari said, with her hazel eyes, typical of an Eighty-Six, while trembling with sorrow.

 

“Those kids were ‘Actaeons’. The Republic made them—turned the Eighty-Six into materials for self-detonating weapons.”

†

Various proteins that make up the human body are synthesized from amino acids based on RNA within cells.

 

On the other hand, when a virus invades, infected cells produce copies based on the virus’s RNA, not their own. Additionally, certain bacteria collectively known as nitrogen-fixing bacteria can synthesize ammonia from atmospheric nitrogen. Cells are miniature, intricately designed chemical factories.

 

The RNA of the artificial cells manufactured by the Republic’s military research department generates a huge metal protein structure that synthesizes nitro groups based on nitrogen. Another set of symbiotic artificial cells have RNA that synthesizes substances other than proteins from nitro groups and fats derived from glycerol.

 

While the two groups of artificial cells are usually dormant once introduced into the subject’s body, once activated, they exhibit behavior similar to viruses toward surrounding cells–injecting RNA and altering surrounding cells into chemical factories that synthesize certain substances from nitro groups and materials derived from them.

 

In other words, nitroglycerin–the raw material for dynamite.

†

For some reason, the Federacy seems to have traced the Actaeon, supposed to be part of a classified study, and correctly linked it to the suicide bombings.

 

When asked about the purpose of such a thing, Primevére bit her lip. She was inside a police facility in Sankt Yeder, accompanied by senior officials, researchers, and government officials from the Republic, for questioning.

 

“…It’s for reproducing self-propelled mines.”

 

The true purpose is something that cannot be spoken of in front of anyone other than the brethren of the Celena race. It’s a secret that must not be known by the citizens of the Republic, especially the Alabaster and Adularia races.

 

— It’s all to protect the noble Celena race.

 

With the introduction of the nitroglycerin-producing cells “Dear” and the “Actaeon” that have been integrated with them are operational, the military would no longer need training. There would be no more concerns about a shortage of soldiers. Lack of fighting ability or will wouldn’t matter; there would be no need for selection based on physical strength or age.  Any human being ─ essentially, servants to the Celena race, like the Alabaster and Adularia races—could be instantly transformed into weapons for national defense as needed.

 

Even if the Eighty-Six perish before the Legion, with the Actaeon, the defense force of the nation could be maintained. More efficiently and conveniently than the 86th Sector which required both Processors and Juggernauts.

 

“If our armored weapons or even the Juggernauts can be defeated by self-propelled mines, then surely, a self-propelled mine can defeat the Legion.”

 

And that’s precisely why such a purpose cannot be spoken of in front of anyone other than fellow Celena Brethren. Instead of stating the purpose, Primevére explains the reason for reproducing self-propelled mines. Although she has not yet been subjected to violence by the interrogator before her, if this man deems it necessary, he will resort to violence without hesitation or reproach. The interrogator always exudes an aura of calculated cruelty, which is terrifying and makes one unable to keep silent.

 

“Fortunately, the Eighty-Six are humanoid and have slightly better intelligence than dogs and cats. If they can be directly transformed into self-propelled mines, there would be no need to use Juggernauts, and we could more effectively confront the Legion. …Is there a reason not to develop them?”

†

The researchers in the concentration camp said it was different, but Chitori, Kiki, along with all the girls of the Actaeon, knew the truth.

 

Yes, they were all girls. Every one of the Actaeon was a teenage girl.

 

Women have a higher body fat percentage than men and have large fat tissues in areas such as the chest, hips, and thighs that do not directly contribute to survival. Additionally, for the purpose of pregnancy ─ to nurture a different life within their body for a long period ─ specific conditions allow others to be exempt from immunological rejection.

 

And in combat against the Legion, they are less useful than boys.

 

“We were created as disposal weapons for the Eighty-Six, to be used after the end of the war against the Legion,” Chitori said.

 

Designed to be dispatched alongside their brethren, and then at some point, to die together in an explosion.

†

“It was originally intended for use against people, I suppose. I’ve heard it as a kind of tall tale. If the Empire planned to invade, they sent a demo tape warning that we’d have to be cautious of every living thing in every place, suggesting that our soldiers, not just those from the Republic, could be under threat.”

 

This is a story from before Vika was born. The microscope images showed artificial cells consuming fat cells and rapidly enlarging before bursting, and a pig that had been jumping around behind blast-proof glass suddenly exploded with more force than the explosives that could be packed inside its stomach.

 

The Republic is a nation of agriculture and livestock. — Sheep, goats, cattle, horses, and pigs were raised in vast numbers across the vast lands, far exceeding the population of the Republic.

 

“Nitroglycerin— Since it’s too sensitive in its pure form and difficult to handle, it’s probably using a plasticizer to reduce its reactivity, just like dynamite. Anyway, it would hardly dent the frontal armor of armored vehicles. For countering the Legion, it was probably assumed that the lack of power would be compensated for by the user’s ingenuity, just like with self-propelled mines, but it’s a flaw that doesn’t need to be worried about if dealing with weak humans.”

 

For the Republic, which had distanced the battlefield to the 86th Sector and left the fighting to the Eighty-Six, thus having no way of knowing how to overcome the lifespan of the Legion, the aftermath of the seemingly ending Legion war was visible. If there were nations that survived it, a war against humans would likely begin.

 

With a disgusted face, Lerche says she has heard of such tactics in the long history of human warfare.

 

“They say soldiers let their guard down around women and children.”

 

By letting women and children, who carried flowers and begged for sweets, get close, they were made to self-detonate, blowing up enemy soldiers along with them.

 

However, Zashya shakes her head.

 

“No, Lerche. It’s not just that.”

 

The purpose of the demo tape from before, too. At that time, it was probably only hinted at as a possible deterrent, but what about when they actually obtained materials from human experiments and applied them to humans?

 

“The real target is prisoners of war… What if a prisoner of war who returned safely from the enemy country suddenly self-detonated one day? On the front line, no, rather, at their homes or hometowns in the supposedly safe, peaceful rear.”

 

Lerche frowns in confusion. Coldly, Vika takes over:

 

“That’s what will probably happen in the Federacy, or what’s about to happen. Those who were supposed to be brethren become enemies. They probably didn’t give it infectious capabilities, but even so…”

†

“I believe Major Milizé and Major Penrose understand that for both your safety and to maintain the Federacy as it is, you two require protection,” said Jonas. However, neither Lena nor Annette nodded in agreement. The clear silence of refusal did not cause Jonas to so much as raise an eyebrow. To him, the resistance of such fragile Celena officers, especially when they are young women, would be no more significant than that of a kitten, so a mere silence of protest would hardly have an effect.

 

“As the head of your guards and attendants, I will take full responsibility for your safety and comfort. However, since it’s not appropriate for me to always be at the side of you ladies, others from the Ehrenfried family will also serve as guards and attendants,” he explained.

 

Several female soldiers, all silently stepping in and bowing, joined them. They all had black hair and black eyes characteristic of the Onyx species typical of the old Imperial nobility, yet somehow their faces left no lasting impression..

 

For generations, they have disciplined themselves to be shadows, never unnecessarily catching their master’s eye.

 

“In the event of an emergency, they will act as your shields. Therefore, should there be a need to leave this residence, you must always be accompanied by several of them,” Jonas continued, implying that, essentially, they were not to leave this room.

 

The silent agreement he expected in return was, of course, not forthcoming, but Jonas did not mind, for reasons already mentioned.

†

Grethe took over Amari  and spoke. Her expression was stern, but her voice remained calm.

 

“Until the matter concerning the ‘Fawn’ is resolved, Colonel Milizé can’t be on the front lines. Captain, you understand this, right?”

 

Grethe has no intention of bringing her back right now.

 

Blood surged to Shin’s head, yet he managed to contain his anger. There was no sense in retaliating against Grethe; screaming like a child wouldn’t resolve anything.

 

“…Still, this is unjust confinement. I object.”

 

Grete blinked slowly. 

 

“Yes. Of course.”

 

“Efforts should be exerted to swiftly resolve the issue and allow her to return as soon as it is resolved. Let them know that—the First Armored Group of the Strike Package will not acknowledge any commander other than her.”

 

Leaving the office, he managed to maintain his composure as he closed the door behind him. But as soon as he did, his pent-up anger burst forth.

 

“―Damn it!”

 

Amari, who stood before him, flinched at the strength of the words he spat out with disdain. Seeing her shrink back helped to cool his head somewhat, prompting him to consciously take a breath before asking again.

 

“―Was Yuuto’s RAID device removed during his treatment? And if not, do we have any other means of communication?”

 

I wish to go home.

 

Shin, also an Eighty-Six, understood what Yuto had contemplated. What was surprising is that Yuto, often cold and expressionless, would want to fulfill that wish. However, Shin didn’t dwell on why he felt that way. Wishing to return home. They were all ones who couldn’t return. In that battlefield of the 86th Sector. If Yuuto had reached out and consulted with him, Shin would have lent a hand as best he could. Moreover, there was no reason to oppose it. Not just Shin, but surely anyone else would have done the same. That’s what it means to be an Eighty-Six.

 

Yuuto must have known this, and yet why didn’t he say anything? 

 

It’s as if he’s betraying us, keeping it all by himself.

 

Amari shook her head.

 

“He didn’t bring it with him. Given that we’re all Eighty-Six… If he had reached out to you, Captain, Saki, or anyone else in the Strike Package before fleeing, we could have been held accountable. They could have accused the Strike Package and the ‘Fawn’ of colluding.”

 

“Tch!”

 

He held his breath. Was he afraid of that?

 

The ‘Fawns,’ who had caused many casualties, were also Eighty-Six, just like Shin and most of the Strike Package.

 

“They can’t blame the Strike Package—every Eighty-Six—for it.”

†

Hunched over and shrinking even smaller, Chitori spoke in the almost abandoned chapel’s crypt at the edge of a town located between the Miana and Nareva territories.

 

“I’m sorry, Yuuto. I didn’t mean for this to happen. Probably, everyone who caused those self-detonation incidents didn’t mean to either.”

 

Once again, the news on the radio this morning reported another incident where “Fawn” members died in a suicide bombing, causing more deaths.

 

The faces of Chitori and the other “Fawn” girls were clouded with gloom as they heard the repeated tragedy unfold.

 

“We just wanted to return to our hometowns before dying. We didn’t want to involve anyone, so we left our new homes. That was all, just that intention, but it turned into such a big issue, We ended up dragging so many others into this…”

 

Kiki continued with a face about to cry.

 

“I… I wish we had just killed ourselves. If we had all committed suicide before this happened, even when we were all protected by the Federacy, no one else would have died. We knew that. But still…”

 

Yuuto interrupts with a shake of his head.

 

“I understand. The transmission of information didn’t go as planned. So it’s not your fault,” says the Federacy soldier.

 

Compared to those officers of the Republic who shirked their duties, Federacy soldiers were far more diligent. Yuuto had overlooked the possibility that reports might not be made because those he worked with daily, like Grethe and the staff officers, didn’t look down on the Eighty-Six and always listened to their reports and suggestions respectfully. Despite the attitude shown right in front of him that only saw the Eighty-Six as useful hunting dogs, Yuuto had unconsciously assumed other Federacy soldiers would be the same.

 

“But…” Kiki murmurs guiltily, prompting Yuuto to continue after a moment’s thought.

 

“The Shepherds—Legion command units—are often based on the Eighty-Six,” he explains.

 

Kiki blinks in confusion.

 

“Yes,” Yuuto continues, “The lifespan initially set for the Legion was overcome using the Eighty-Six as materials. So, to avoid prolonging the war, all Eighty-Six should have committed suicide before being captured by the Legion.”

 

Kiki and the others were frozen in shock, swallowing their breaths.

 

Speaking with his gaze partly downcast, Yuuto continues with his fiery-colored, deep red eyes hardening.

 

“Even if someone were to tell me that, I wouldn’t agree. I don’t think it’s right to say, ‘Die quietly for the sake of all humanity.'”

 

That’s why this isn’t the fault of Kiki and the others.

 

Yuuto doesn’t see fleeing without informing the Federacy as a crime.

 

He can’t say that not committing suicide is a sin, that they should have been locked up and left to die because their existence harms others, that they weren’t even allowed to struggle for their lives. For the sake of humanity, for everyone—You should have died.

 

To be condemned by someone.

 

Yes, to deprive someone else of their life.

 

“I think those aren’t the right words.”

†

The Legion were not just aiming to break through the frontline; they were intensifying pressure across the entire front, seeking out units with low readiness and tearing them apart.

 

“Understanding the composition of units on each front of the Federacy Army. — Shifting the operation to Phase Two.”

 

Originally created to substitute for infantrymen, non-commissioned officers, and junior officers, even the commanding machines in the Legion’s overarching network, which corresponds to a general staff, do not necessarily possess the brain structure of senior officers. Among them, Václav Milizé, a former colonel in the Republican Army who possesses personality and memory, is one of the few Shepherds who were high-ranking officers.

 

He knew that the sword that would crush the enemy is not limited to direct acts of violence.

 

“Set priority targets. Occupied positions with a majority of Republic citizens. Positions with a high number of replacement troops. Positions with a majority of ethnic minorities. Also, execute long-range artillery fire on rear areas.”

 

Their own network of multiple lines, spread throughout their dominion, supported the weight of 1400 tons.

 

Striking new tracks with their steel claws, the electromagnetic railgun-type Morphos head towards the ten different fronts of the Federacy. 

 

Among them, one unit identified by the call sign “Nidhogg” had previously delayed trains during the Republic’s evacuation operation, sounding the charge for the operation’s commencement. This unit, which had been destroyed by the double-barreled electromagnetic railgun “Kampf Pfau,” has been rebuilt over the past month and now, with a new body, heads towards its assigned sector in the Federacy’s western front.

 

It’s final words:

 

“It’s our turn. It’s our turn. It’s our turn.”

 

Echo the sentiment of the one who died screaming.

 

Yes, he who shouted and died was an Eighty-Six. He wished for revenge against the Republic, chose to become a ‘Shepherd’ for that purpose, and transformed his body into the control device of a killing machine—a mechanical ghost.

 

His fierce hatred was so intense that he would throw away his own life. Merely roasting Republic citizens alive wasn’t enough to quench it. He was far from satisfied.

 

Reaching the firing position, Nidhogg aims at the designated coordinates, aware of what lies there due to received orders. An impulse akin to a mocking laugh fills the brain made of fluid micro-machines.

 

“It’s still our turn.
Revenge, victory, slaughter — it’s our turn. It’s okay now, right? It’s still okay, right? It’s still our turn, right?
From now on, forever, it should be—our turn.”

†

Multiple electromagnetic railgun-type Morphos emerged in various regions of the Legion-controlled territory surrounding the Federacy.

 

Their bombardment surpassed the fortified front lines and extended to the rear areas where reserve positions were being established—pounding 800mm shells into the cities and villages of the territories, which should have been safe and peaceful.