Youjo Senki Vol 1 Chapter 1

Why am I fighting a war in a place like this?

 

Holding an orb in her small hand and placing the rifle which was a substitute for a scepter on the ground, the consciousness known as Second Lieutenant Mage Tanya Degurechaff, bestowed with the ability to soar in the sky kept asking herself, “Why did things turn out this way?”\n 

“Fairy08, paging Norden Control. I say again, Fairy08 paging Norden Control. Please respond.”\n 

Floating in the gloomy sky of Norden was a black dot. Diving below the clouds while maneuvering was the airborne sorcery officer that is the pride of the imperial army —that was me, who was reincarnated into a little girl because of some sort of karma. The thing hanging from her military uniform and held in her hand was an item that used scientific methods to control paranormal phenomena, a Operation Orb that allows Mages to interfere with the world via their will. This was the modernization of an ancient orb using modern magic and science. As the name implies, it was a magically engineered catalyst that could decipher the world’s data.\n 

The mission was to station herself at the altitude of 6000 feet high, maintain cruising speed, and perform artillery observation in the designated airspace.\n 

“Fairy08, this is Norden Control. Reading you loud and clear, your positional tracking is working normally.”\n 

This was nothing, just a flight support mission at the Empire-Union national borders. Only that the figure with a Operation Orb hung on her neck, while deploying flight magic and performing her observation duties looked surprisingly small. This was not a metaphor, she literally had a small body. She looked less than 10 years old. Even considering that she was female, her physique was still on the petite side. Compared to her outstanding physique in the past life, this height is really quite depressing for her. Speaking of the size of the aviation throat microphones, Tanya was mocked by others because her neck was too thin when she was issued her equipment. She felt so embarrassed back then.

“Fairy08 copy. Reached mission airspace. Reading you loud and clear.”\n 

I have already given up on my voice, but this high-pitched voice always makes me feel uneasy. I’m used to it, but I still can’t stand my own voice. My tongue isn’t flexible so my words comes out with a lisp, shameful.\n 

“Norden Control roger. Carry on with the assigned mission.”\n 

You also have to give it to this army that doesn’t care if I’m a small girl, and can’t speak clearly. This situation was probably reasonable as aerial Mages only focus on air combat. The only standard that mattered was the users’ capability for magic and fighting potential. In the eyes of the Empire who prioritizes this to the extreme, the age requirements for Mages were a relic of the past. Doesn’t matter if you physically look like someone who needs to be cared for, you will still be sent to conduct artillery observation.\n 

“Fairy08, acknowledge. No abnormality in warzone. I say again, no abnormality.”\n 

“Norden Control copy. Your observation zone has been assigned to an artillery battalion. Designation: Goliath07. This arrangement will stand until you receive another order or the mission is completed. Over.”\n 

The general allocation of human resources was based on the geopolitical needs of the Empire. For historical reasons, the Empire is located right in the middle of the continent, so they have had to think of their neighbouring countries as potential enemies. To defend their vast territory, their troop numbers were always a tricky topic. To resolve this problem, the conclusion painstakingly reached by headquarters was to efficiently use every resources available to them.\n 

“Fairy08, this is the artillery battalion from the joint division, Goliath07, do you copy?”\n 

Therefore, even if you are a just young girl, if you can be used, the army will dump her at the borders and order her to execute an aerial patrol mission. They were literally using child soldiers.\n 

“Goliath07, this is Fairy08. Reading you loud and clear. I have visual on enemy infantry approaching. Telemetry has been sent. Please acknowledge.”\n 

It was a surreal image for a young girl to be making official reports in a cute voice while soaring in the sky. By the way, an orthodox army would consist of only normal adults. This was common sense.\n 

The message might be muffled by interference, but hearing the voice of a young child from the signal set was normal for Mages. After all, exceptions were frequently given out of practicality in the armed forces. However, the most important thing was that the constant harshness of military duties had already burnt out the soldiers with conscience. They might feel concerned about young children fighting in war, but their senses were already dulled by the constant grind of their obligations.\n 

“Goliath07 roger....conducting first ranging shot.”\n 

And so, Flight Mage Second Lieutenant Tanya Degurechaff, who was commissioned into the military, made periodic radio checks with practiced hands via the signal set that was as big as her back, performing her duties as a forward artillery observer in the northern plains of Norden. To be honest, I do have complaints about why I am flying in such a place.\n 

“Confirming ranging shot... Confirmed target within shot range. Shot deviation less than 10 meters from target’s center. Please proceed with bombardment.”\n 

“Goliath07 copy. Commencing fire mission.”\n 

Despite the blue eyes that was relentlessly observing the situation in front, it was undeniable that there were flashes of frustration within them. Why am I in this different world, turned back into a child, had my gender changed, and fighting a war?\n 

The thing that annoy me the most are the changes to my body. The body of a child is very inconvenient. Girls might develop faster than boys, but my senses are attuned to a larger body, and the size difference is excessive. And ever since I enlisted into the army, I’ve had plenty of experiences that remind me that I am now just a powerless child.\n 

Being incapable of using a rifle... They’re too big, so I can’t aim properly, and my shoulder will hurt from the recoil. During melee combat training, I was thrown around by others with a sympathetic face.\n 

That was until I understood with the Operation Orb that the world is structured by three vector forces, and I learnt the technique to interfere the data of this world. Before that, I had to rely on weak, uncoordinated arms and legs struggling upon the bare earth.\n 

After putting in tremendous effort, I became skilled in magic techniques that were reliant on thinking instead of my physical body. If I can fly through the air and interfere with reality through magic, I won’t need to be troubled by the restrictions of this petite body.\n 

The strange sensation of using magic is solved with a convenient item. However, possessing such an item doesn’t mean we should use them, right?\n 

I see, ICBMs have to be used when necessary. So there is the need to do maintenance, to train and be prepared to launch it during peacetime. Speaking of which, is there any reason that necessitates the use of an ICBM? It was because of the deterioration of relations between the Empire and its surrounding country, which isn’t a recent event.\n 

A long time ago, the Empire and the Union had an unofficial dispute over the drawing of the national border. At least on the platform of international politics, neither parties argued over the ownership of the territory in question.\n 

But this was only because of the overwhelming strength that the Empire had; that's why this problem was kept from surfacing. For Tanya, this situation was actually very simple, it was the same reason why the smaller nations wouldn’t enter into border disputes with the Soviet Union by themselves.\n 

...The past could only be discussed using past tense, which was the only regrettable thing.\n 

A few coincidental events happened at the border. The border garrisons from both nations misfired accidentally, and firefights broke out because of some misunderstanding. These issues could be resolved by the commanders on the ground, but it was clear the situation was becoming tense.\n 

If the Empire moved into pre-war footing early, Tanya would be able to retreat to the rear lines and be assigned to non-combat duties. After all, before the battle began, Warrant Officer Tanya Degurechaff was just a cadet officer from Officer Cadet School. Trainees would just be a burden on the frontlines. And so, if the Empire had been able to recognize the situation and make timely preparations, Tanya could have looked forward to her transfer to a research unit or work as an administrator in the rear.\n 

However, high command ignored the turbulent situation and judged it to be simply brinksmanship, resulting in Tanya’s deployment to this place for a military training exercise. This was just an extension of the training she did in Officer Cadet School (OCS), a joint exercise with the army while keeping to her flight patrol route. But after losing her chance to retreat to the rear lines, Tanya was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant after the exercise and deployed for combat.\n 

The call sign given to her was [Fairy08]. The call sign, “Fairy”, irked her. Appearance wise, she was just a short child — no, a loli. She had blue eyes showing strong determination and short blond hair that was easy to care for. Considering her white pristine skin, this name suited her.\n 

After receiving her call sign and officially joining the border garrison, Tanya was assigned to the unit made up of the OCS training branch and local forces. Her first duty was a mandatory 48-hour standby order. She thought she would be sent for training as usual after the formation of the unit to confirm the team members response time and functionality, but she was forced to standby in full battle gear. That happened about 24 hours ago.\n 

Following that, with a timing that would make the devil smile, emergency reports came from the outposts at the frontlines. They warned that there were signs of a large scale Union military invasion.\n 

The Union’s changes in policies were what the Empire dreaded. Due to the change in political regime and the installation of new leaders, the rise of nationalism demanded a huge shift in national policies. To be honest, not just Tanya, but everyone in the Empire’s military found it hard to understand why they chose this time to start a reckless military campaign. Before they knew it, the Union had already issued an ultimatum for the Empire’s forces to withdraw, in lieu of a declaration of war.\n 

They demanded for the ‘Empire forces to leave their national borders within 24 hours’.\n 

The circumstances of the Union weren’t something a mere Lieutenant could fanthom. However, since border skirmishes were ‘politically sensitive’, it was obvious the Empire wanted to avoid war from officially breaking out. But failing to see the facts for what they are would make them infamous in the history books.\n 

The infamy of being known as idiots. Maybe the Union had some strategy to seize victory up their sleeves?\n 

Although the Empire could not understand the objective and intent of the Union, they followed the plans laid out by their country, mobilizing the cautious bureaucracy and military arm in preparations for the theoretical attack that might happen theoretically. For Tanya who was a cog in the war machine, she only did her job as expected of her pay grade. At this point of time, she still thought optimistically that, “Well, this is probably just a political maneuver.”\n 

After all, the neighbouring Federation state would probably object to military operations occurring so close to it and call for a ceasefire or restrain both sides through intimidation. The Kingdom and Republic that gave aid to the Union in the past would fear that their past efforts to help them would be lost, and would stop the Union’s suicidal campaign. That’s right, this was what most of the soldiers thought would happen. After all, soldiers are all pragmatists.\n 

It was clear the Union had no chance of victory if they fought the Empire head on, so one of these countries would call for a cessation of hostility, leaving the clean up to the politicians and diplomats of both nations.\n 

However, something that was unfathomable to all except for the Union happened.\n 

“Union forces are advised to lower your arms and surrender or retreat.”\n 

Going by the common sense of the Empire, this was a shocking advisory. The Empire might be watching the situation develop in disbelief, but the reports of the Union trespassing borders wasn’t completely unexpected. The fact that it was really happening was what was baffling to them. According to after-action logs, the soldier Lehrgen, serving at the military headquarters said, “...It would be easier to comprehend if it was all just a show orchestrated by their military high command, that’s how unfathomable the intentions of the Union were,” to express how confounding this incident was.\n 

Putting their doubts aside, the pragmatic Empire immediately issued the command to stop the grand scale invasion by Union forces. They might be confused or troubled by the Union’s intent, but when they learned of the possibility of open warfare, the Empire started logistical and battle preparations as per standing orders. Forces from the regiments deployed in various parts of the Empire were mustered by rail, showcasing the smooth and efficient organization of the Empire military, lauded as the reason for their might.\n 

Despite gathering large amounts of resources and mobilizing units, the Empire still couldn’t shake off the doubt and worry in their heart: “Are they for real?”\n 

In the league of powerful nations, the Empire’s armed forces were far ahead of the others. Even during peacetime, a field army would be garrisoned in the borders in the name of national security. Right now, in preparation for war, an ad hoc army was formed on top of that by mobilizing troops that weren’t part of the garrisoned forces. They even considered information warfare and invited presses from other countries as a counter measure, covering all the angles. That’s why the Empire was so doubtful— “Were they going to attack for real?”\n 

For Tanya, she would never even dream about the day the Union would march on the military powerhouse without any just cause, and doing so with an inferior force in front of international media.\n 

But in this world, fact was stranger than fiction. For Tanya, it was inconceivable how the situation developed into such a stage. Putting it crudely, it was like seeing the suicidal impulse turn physical in an instant.\n 

“War is breaking out! I say again, war is breaking out! The war started just now! Because we were invaded, the Empire has declared against the Legedonia Union! Earlier today, Union forces invaded Empire territory from several areas; in retaliation, the imperial forces are counterattacking and heading for the borders! According to reports, our forces have engaged the enemy on multiple fronts!”\n 

With armoured units as the main corps, all allied forces were being mobilized. At the same time, war correspondents from the media were shouting with panic as they send reports coming in from the various battlefronts to the entire world via radio waves.\n 

… Since victory is assured, is that why information warfare is necessary? *sigh* Since our gross national product, technology, and military are miles ahead of them, taking preemptive actions by assuming our victory would be an obvious move.\n 

Permitting the presence of the media before the war started meant that high command knew they had the leisure of promoting their cause. Showing the might and righteousness of the Empire was a good political move. They had already proven the other party was the first to cross national borders, so they had the casus belli to act. They probably allowed the media to follow the troops to showcase the victorious battle. National leaders that would allow the media to cover a military defeat was a fictional existence in this alternate world as well. Having minimal classification of reports was a sign that things were going well.\n 

These were all reasons why Tanya wasn’t nervous. To be honest, when she heard that she would be thrown into the north for a training exercise, she wanted to scream to the heavens, ”Please give divine retribution to this militaristic nation that forced a prepubescent girl to the dangerous front lines, and the existence [X] who threw a kind-hearted man into this world!”\n 

However, if the battle was one-sided like the Gulf War, it would be a chance for her to secure a great future and there wouldn’t be any problems. She would be fighting a war her side would win, staying in the army that would win, and attack the enemy safely from the sky. A simple mission that would advance her career. This was unexpected, but it wasn’t a bad thing. No, it was a golden opportunity. Border patrols were boring and dangerous; even if you accomplished something, it might easily be ignored because of ‘political considerations’. Thanks to this, patrol missions in the conflict-prone zone of Norden was a thankless task.\n 

It was hard to accumulate merits here, and as if to remind her of how bad the situation was, Tanya’s appearance was that of a blond child with fair skin. Her experience was that of an OCS graduate, a young Mage that had a bright future ahead. Even if her commanders were willing to use her, they would suffer infamy as the one who destroyed the bright future of a child if anything was to happen to Tanya. Her abilities aside, just her doll-like appearance would feel out of place. Even Tanya herself wouldn’t want anything to do with someone looking like that unless it involved herself or official duties.\n 

That was her objective view after being commissioned in the Empire military. Although her instructors gave her good reviews, just doing tasks expected of her pay grade made it hard to dispel the unflattering name of 「Loli Mage」. Hence, the only way was to strive for great accomplishments. But even if she wanted to do so, she didn’t have the chance to do so all this while. In other words, she was a “Mage”, but wasn’t treated like one. She was treated just like a baby that would get in the way. Being called an inferior product without considering her experience and situation was humiliating.\n 

The ironic thing was that during a battle in which the Empire had the overwhelming advantage, Tanya was given a chance to buff her resume; she was unexpectedly lucky.\n 

She would be able to participate in this war in great condition. If that was the case, she hoped to obtain the authority and status that would allow her to survive, and to build her social network. In order to do that, she had to be active in this war and earn merits.\n 

When she thought about it that way, Tanya felt that the situation wasn’t that bad after all, unconsciously relaxing her bright red lips.\n 

“No, isn’t this the best thing for my resume?... It isn’t a bad thing.”\n 

No one could hear her quiet mutters. Even if someone was flying near her, her words would probably be covered by the screams of the Empire’s artillery and the impact of the shells. If Tanya pretended that she was observing a display that was several times larger than the Fuji Combined Firepower Exercise, she wouldn’t feel that depressed.\n 

“Fairy08, this is Goliath07. Please report the effect of the bombardment.”\n 

“Goliath07, this is Fairy08. The bombardment is effective. I say again, the bombardment is effective.”\n 

It was a simple job of observing the results and forwarding the telemetry to the artillery. Using flying spells while lugging a radio signal set wasn’t easy, but the Operation Orb issued by the Empire army were excellent. For a potential conflict zone like Norden, many of the units situated in these northern lands were dispatched from central headquarters. Even Tanya herself was from central , at least on paper, and was assigned into a temporary unit after she was sent here for a training exercise.\n 

If she performs her duties diligently, she will make it back to central one day and being assigned to an administrative role would no longer be a dream. If she got selected to be the an Mage officer escort for the administrative department, she might be tasked with the defence of the imperial capital and stay far behind the frontlines. Looking at it from another angle, this was an experience that would help her career tremendously, an assignment she should be grateful for.\n 

When Tanya learned that she would be sent to the boring and dangerous north for a training exercise, she hated her instructor to death. However, it was hard to tell in life if you were unlucky or not. It was a bit late, but she should find some time soon to report on her situation and thank him. Social networks had to be maintained properly.\n 

I am looking forward to the rose coloured life of the elites after all. Tanya was in a good mood as she took part in the battle by observing the shelling of the warzone.\n 

“Norden Control, this is Fairy08.”\n 

“This is Norden Control, reading you loud and clear, over.”\n 

The shells exploding before her eyes successfully dealt critical damage to the infantry units. Although Norden was a mountainous area with undulating landscape, wandering carelessly into enemy territory when their artillery was in position only made the Union forces easy targets. On top of that, it was a terrain without any cover.\n 

“Fairy08, acknowledged. We are suppressing them right now. I conclude that they are suppressed. The enemy units are falling into disarray.”\n 

The well prepared artillery fired on soft targets from an adequate distance with the guidance of artillery observers on grounds they had already mapped out. It would be harder to not obliterate the enemy. She watched the group of people who used to be soldiers scampering around and falling to the shells’ shrapnel easily. From what she was seeing from her binoculars, Tanya judged that it would be a waste of shells to continue the bombardment.\n 

“Fairy08, Norden control, acknowledged. Push forward to the second defence line and direct our forces to the main enemy infantry body. We will suppress them with direct fire, over.”\n 

“Fairy08 wilco. Proceeding now, continuing observation mission, over.”\n 

Conversing calmly with the control tower made Tanya think that, “the radio is working unexpectedly well in a real battle,” and how free the sky was from radio interference. Reflected in her blue eyes was a cloudy sky, but the weather would definitely not cause radio interference. The signal was crystal clear. So clear that Tanya thought she looked dumb carrying the extra large signal set because she thought the signal would be distorted because of the lodes in Norden. In order to locate the enemy remnants that were still resisting, Tanya flew over the routed Union forces. As she push ahead as ordered, she felt really confused.\n 

What was the Union thinking?\n 

If they wanted to conduct a live fire exercise, why not just request for one? If she knew fighting them was easier than shooting a turkey, on the level of shooting dodos, she should have rejected the observation mission and volunteered for air to ground assault missions. In a sure win battle, air to ground bombardment not only assured air superiority and protected aircraft, you can pick and choose the most valuable target to hit. She was so envious of them.\n 

“Norden control, this is Fairy08. I have arrived at the destination, over.”\n 

“Norden control acknowledged. Also confirmed on our end. Sending tactical updates to artillery units. Please proceed with artillery observation, over.”\n 

“Fairy08 roger. Will carry on with artillery observation until advised otherwise, over.”\n 

“Norden Control acknowledge, out.”\n 

♦ ♦ ♦\n 

On the same day,

The skies above the Union in Northland.\n 

God, why, why is this happening?\n 

Because his tanned lean face was twisted in agony from the reflection of the snow, Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) Anson Suez couldn’t help turning his face skywards. In the sky he was so familiar with due to his work as a Union Mage, there were the echoes of the Empire’s artillery bombardment in full force. The scene before him was a one-sided battle. No, any soldier with common sense won’t call this a battle, but a massacre. In a hilly region with no cover and only slight undulation in terrain, they not only moved their unarmoured vehicles in, but even the infantry was marching in. They were heading into an area defended by heavy enemy artillery as if they were at a parade.\n 

“This… this is different from what I was told! They opened fire!” “I need backup! Hurry hurry!” “Retreat! On the double! Make a smoke screen!” “It’s gone! My arm is gone!” “Air support is still not here…” “HQ, HQ, please respond! Please respond!”\n 

The place named by the Empire as the ‘national border’, which the Union called the ‘temporary demilitarized zone’, was the national border drawn according to the Londinum Protocol. If they crossed this zone carelessly to launch a direct attack on the heavily defended Empire base, such a result was to be expected. It didn’t matter what those politicians were thinking, but the radio chatter was evidence that the soldiers in the warzone were paying the price of the hopeless policy… with their lives.\n 

“...Those damn politicians!”\n 

The sluggish economy, the widening wealth inequality and the unemployment rate that refused to fall... the internal issues the Union government were facing meant they might be ousted after losing the trust of the people. The current regime was paying the price and was recklessly fanning the waves of nationalism and chauvinism. No, what was frightening was the next step. War, a war they had no chance of winning.\n 

That was the reason why Lt. Col. Anson was cursing the group refusing to face reality, the dumbass politicians that were still fanning the fire of nationalism.\n 

The Londinium Protocol was mediated by the Kingdom, allowing the Empire and Union to resolve their national border dispute by compromising and recognizing a common national boundary. It was officially named a temporary demilitarized zone, and was confirmed by the executive government of both nations as a de facto national border; but in order to appease the Union who claimed this land as part of their nation, the treaty became a “temporary” protocol that “respects” the claims of both sides.\n 

“They said this would just be a slightly tense hike!”\n 

Putting it simply, the Union was free to proclaim their right to this land within their country, but the international view was that this protocol was as good as recognizing this place as the Empire’s territory. No matter how loud the idealists in their country claim this to be an official conflict zone and that the Union had rights to this land, it was just the whimpers of a loser in the eyes of the international community.\n 

“They said this is just a hike! They dared say this is just a hike!”\n 

Just a patrol by the Union army within our own sovereign lands? This was not a joking matter. Those damn politicians seemed to have unwittingly convinced themselves their political slogan was fact. I really hope someone can tell me this is just a bad joke.\n 

That government spokesman… Or rather, that bunch of wage thieves who kept broadcasting nonsensical political propaganda. They actually had the nerves to hold a press conference and announce this was just a “highly organized and tense hike.” A reckless judgement that was absolutely stunning.\n 

“Cunningham! Where’s the remnants of our ally forces?”\n 

“I can’t contact them, Colonel Suez. The radio network is chaotic and deteriorating, it’s difficult to grasp the situation…”\n 

Their allied forces were in disarray. This was expected. After crossing the borders with the belief that there wouldn’t be a battle, they were ravaged by the full might of the Imperial army. No one could keep their cool in such a scenario. This foolish maneuver would probably be immortalized in the history books.\n 

“What about the command post? Either the Forward Air Control (FAC) or Tactical Operation Center is fine. Can you contact the command post?”\n 

“The network is jammed from crosstalk… Forget about command post, even the frequency channel is wrong.”\n 

First Lieutenant Cunningham who was operating the long distance radio set on his back with a sour face was one of the top veterans in Anson’s unit. While flying in this familiar sky, they were stymied by crosstalk even a veteran couldn’t resolve. This meant the Union’s military campaign was definitely launched carelessly. If this wasn’t happening to his own country, Anson would be confounded by the stupidity of it all.\n 

“Launching a cross-border campaign without moving into full war-footing, this is unbelievable. This is definitely brinksmanship by the Union government. If they weren’t sure that the Empire didn’t have the resolve to declare war, this would be an impossibly dangerous game.”\n 

The words of the Empire’s army headquarter’s spokesperson he read in the newspaper two days ago told him everything. He mentioned that this was merely military activity to gauge the Empire’s reaction to the Union’s brinksmanship. The comments of the spokesperson, who looked as if he had eaten some bitter gourd, were rational. After all, no one would dare launch a military campaign that might decide the fate of a nation without any preparation.\n 

“Short-range comms are fine too. Just contact the ground forces directly. We will support our surviving forces in their retreat.”\n 

“Yes, sir.”\n 

It was hard to say if Anson’s wing was lucky or not. Due to a series of unofficial skirmishes near the borders, they were re-drawn to the rear to reorganize when the Union crossed the border. With their effective strength reduced to squadron level, they were almost at the stage where they would need to return to the capital to reform the unit. As Lt. Col. Anson had participated in numerous battles without official records, he misread the situation… He thought by allowing his unit to retreat, this meant that the campaign was just political propaganda as usual and the government had no intention of going to war.\n 

As a frontline unit of the Union and special forces of the Union, Anson and his group was probably thinking of the most vicious way to describe the incompetence of the politicians. They already knew that their government was a coalition of morons, but they didn’t expect them to do something so hopeless and idiotic.\n 

“Sorry, Dahton, can you try contacting our sister units? I want to grasp the situation as well as possible.”\n 

And so, since they have lost all initiative, Anson could only do what he can to support the retreat of allied forces under heavy fire from a despairingly superior force. With the Forward Air Control uncontactable, they couldn’t rely on command support and the situation had turned into chaos. This unit was meant to ensure that the Mages and other air units could cooperate with the ground forces on a very basic level.\n 

“If there is a need, we will link up with the rest of our wing. If the flights can’t rejoin their squadron, it is fine for them to form temporary squadrons.”\n 

“Colonel, I got through!”\n 

Snatching the communication set into his hand and a short conversation later, Anson understood that the situation below was a hopeless mess. Using a peacetime command structure for war was a mistake, and the price they paid was the total collapse of the chain of command. This was obvious to everyone.\n 

“I got it. In short, we can’t regain command or fight a war. The only thing we can do is to minimize the suppression artillery strikes that are creating more chaos.”\n 

That was why the situation had deteriorated so much that each unit had to act on their own instead of staging an organized resistance. Even if they could somehow contact ally forces, they couldn’t find units that could grasp the situation and take the necessary countermeasures.\n 

“I understand. However, the defence of the artillery is probably very strong… How about targeting the artillery observer?\n 

And so, based on the forces the Lt. Col. had on hand, the most effective means of support was to disrupt the bombardment indirectly by neutralizing the enemy artillery observers. That was the only conclusion they could come up with.\n 

“Colonel Suez! Message from the 6th division. Both observer and signaller are still alive!”\n 

“Excellent! Confirm with them whether they can locate the enemy observer now.”\n 

But then, communication with a retreating allied unit that managed to maintain command turned things around.\n 

“... Bingo! Telemetry received!”\n 

Multiple Mage observers were flying alone without concealing their positions. Based on the periodic encrypted signals they sent, they must be making reports of their observations and was using special, encrypted frequencies.\n 

“They are flying alone? They’re really looking down on us.”\n 

“That might be so, but their defensive line is very strong.”\n 

Anson knew that of course. An air defence network that was properly set up, with air units and Mages ready to intercept. Security was so tight, it could make a grown man cry. It was clear that the Empire only allowed their support units to fly alone because they judged their defence network to be sturdy enough.\n 

“*Sigh* I really don’t want to rack my brains and fight the enemy normally. I would have fled with my family if I had known earlier.”\n 

“Colonel Suez, those Empire fellows probably have the opposite reaction from us, and are tilting their heads from confusion. They must be wondering if it is alright to fight such an easy war.”\n 

“Indeed, let us pray they have dropped their guard.”\n 

Anson could only pray to the gods with bitter thoughts.\n 

… Oh god, just what did we do wrong?\n 

♦ ♦ ♦\n 

Her assigned mission was important but boring. She just needed to carry the signal set and the full set of reconnaissance equipment to observe the bombardment. The processing of the telemetry was handled by the artillery units. Command was issued by the controller in Norden control tower.\n 

And this was a battle they will definitely win, so she just needed to admire the laudable skills of the Empire’s artillery forces that rained down fragmentation and explosive shells repeatedly. The Empire was a military power that rose to prominence amongst the great powers recently. Supporting its renowned army was its relatively new equipment, and its orthodox pursuit of firepower.\n 

The belief of the Empire was that “bayonets don’t lie, and neither do numbers.” That was why artillery was the 'God of battle' in the Empire. Even for Tanya, compared to the suspicious entity claiming to be god, the god of battle was a more reliable and absolute existence.\n 

Even though our forces were doubtful of conflict, we still dutifully made preparations for war. Which means not only air superiority, but even the anti-Mage surveillance net was set up perfectly. Be it a spark of resistance or the flash of anti-air guns, you just need to tell on them to the god of battle, and it will incur a suppressing barrage from the artillery to pulverise them.\n 

This job was safe and meaningful, and would earn good reviews. How she wished she could do this all the time. After all, this was a VIP seat to watch the process of friendly forces gradually obtaining victory. Comparatively speaking, the Fuji Combined Firepower Exercise was like kids playing with cute steel beads.\n 

Watching the scene of the enemy being defeated from the safe sky, there was no way I would feel unhappy about it. Artillery till the land and then the infantry and armour push forth. The ones providing ground cover and direct air support are us, the Mages. Flying at high altitude were the hybrid fighter jets and bombers unit led the way as the advance party. The entire battle was developing even more smoothly than a training exercise. Cheers to headquarters for coming up with this beautiful battle plan. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to advance my career in such a safe and simple manner.\n 

It is thoughtless of me, I have to apologize to General Lee who said, “it is well that war is so terrible, otherwise we should grow too fond of it,” because I feel that war is so much fun.\n 

“Fairy08, this is Norden Control. Artillery is beginning ranging shots. Please report.”\n 

“This is Fairy08, confirming shots are on target. Uploading data. Concluding that adjustment is not needed. I say again, no need to adjust. Fire for effect.”\n 

The most amazing thing was how well the artillery was working with the data. To score a hit with just the ranging shots showed how well trained they were. Or rather, the Empire’s reputation of being a military superpower wasn’t just for show. Thanks to this, Tanya had an easy time working, which was great.\n 

“Norden Control, acknowledged. Be careful of stray rounds. Bombardment will begin in two-zero-zero seconds. Over.”\n 

“Fairy08, acknowledged. Out.”\n 

Tanya increased her altitude slightly as she kept her distance and moved towards the west. She didn’t think the artillery strike would be off target, but she would be hit if there were any mistakes, and it would be a tragedy if she was done in by friendly fire. On top of that, a full bombardment attack had an amazing amount of shells. The artillery fired without hesitation, while Tanya watched with envy while biting her fingers. In order to work happily together, she must not inconvenience the other party.\n 

The artillery began their bombardment, raining down a cruel amount of iron shells, far exceeding the amount shown in any of the war movies Tanya had seen. She looked down from the sky and saw black spots pouring onto the ground like stars of a galaxy, exploding into intense flames, and turning the objects known as humans into dust.\n 

“Fairy08 to Norden Control. Confirmed shots on target, please continue firing.”\n 

“Norden Control, sending warzone updates. AO (area of operation) Alpha… Zone bzzz… bzzz—”\n 

“Norden Control, this is Fairy08, you are breaking up, heavy interference. Over.”\n 

This might be electromagnetic interference or simply an equipment issue. This is a critical moment, spare me from that. When Tanya was about to contact the controller again to test the signal set on her back, she received an unexpected message.\n 

“Cherub leader, emergency war zone alert! Saying again, emergency war zone alert! Confirmed a large number of bogeys approaching!”\n 

A warning that was different from periodic radio checks, it was an alert about unidentified aircraft. The strange thing was that the Forward Air Control on the front line was issuing the warning to the war zone. In an engagement with enemy units, such alerts wouldn’t be given to the entire war zone unless the first defence line was broken. That was the hidden meaning behind the warning.\n 

Was it powerful enemy reinforcements? But that’s how war is; nothing goes according to plan.\n 

“... Norden Control to all airborne security forces. Switch ROE from border patrol to anti-guerilla attacks. Saying again, switch ROE from border patrol to anti-guerilla attack.”\n 

When radio communications resumed, she received this sudden order to engage the enemy. This was obvious, since enemy aircraft was inbound, there was no choice but to engage. To prevent such incident from happening, the Empire not only set up a strong defence line in their forward position, they had also scrambled reserve units as their security forces.\n 

“Large number of heat signatures detected from bogeys! Spell interference detected! Targets identified to be Bandits (Mages)! The enemy is opening fire! Please neutralize targets immediately!”\n 

The last message gave Tanya an ominous feeling. This might be the enemies’ death throes, but the situation was rather dangerous.\n 

“Norden Control to all stations. Saying again, Norden Control to all stations.”\n 

It wasn’t obvious from the controller’s tone, but he had a hint of anxiety in his voice. He could read out the loss of allied aircraft calmly like a news reporter, so if even this guy was feeling anxious, the situation must be beyond dire.\n 

“We have confirmed Mages on the scale of a wing crossing the border. Saying again, confirmed a Mage wing is breaching our defence lines.”\n 

The Forward Air Controller read out the shocking situation update with a slightly troubled voice. Logically speaking, committing combat forces in batches was a taboo in military operations. Ensuring the reserve forces were utilized effectively was a crucial point in planning, but at the same time, commanders have to ensure they have enough reserve forces for tactical usage. The dilemma between these two issues date back to ancient times, but was also the most difficult problem to solve.\n 

Going by common sense, sending infantry across the border without support and only throwing in units to cover their forces was inconceivable. Even Tanya didn’t expect the Union to send in their reserves when the Empire was about to switch to the offensive and pursue the enemy forces. If they were going to commit units, by battle logic, they should have done so earlier. However, that was why the Empire didn’t expect this move.\n 

“All units engage the enemy on contact! I say again, engage immediately!”\n 

After routing the enemy, while they were adjusting the position and movement of the artillery, they were met with the counterattack by a wing of enemy Mages. The Empire army did think this might happen, but they had just concluded the enemy main forces had been destroyed.\n 

Normally, if they wanted to support the withdrawal of their allies, they should have acted faster. The unexpected enemy reinforcement probably threw a wrench into the Empire’s front line. Tanya was just thinking she couldn’t accumulate merits which would affect her career advancement in her position. However, right now she was glad to be assigned to the back.\n 

If she was in the airborne security force, she would need to intercept immediately; but as an artillery observer, she didn’t need to go over.\n 

“... Bzzz… Bzzz—”\n 

However, at the moment she was feeling lucky, Tanya’s signal with Norden Control tower was full of interference. He was reporting on the sudden change in situation just a moment ago. The radio signal was making static at such a critical juncture.\n 

Considering the signals breaking up before that, there was a high chance the signal set was malfunctioning. Be it directing artillery fire or receiving updates from friendly forces, the radio set would be very important and this would likely be a malfunction with serious consequences. From what Tanya remembered, the signal set she was using was used extensively by her in all sorts of exercises. It was known for its ruggedness and shouldn’t be that fragile.\n 

Maybe the problem only arise because it was a real battle, but not only would she be unable to report back on artillery fire, she would also be unable to complete her mission due to the mechanical error, which was unsettling. In the end, Tanya hadn’t the mood to be frustrated over her signal set glitching.\n 

…A heat signature?— Tanya noticing that she was being sniped was pure coincidence. However, she trusted her instincts, changed her flight course and barely avoided the attack.\n 

Right after that, she saw numerous spells exploding in her original path. It was an enemy Mage.\n 

“Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! Fairy08 to Norden Control! I say again, Fairy08 to Norden Control! Enemy contact, requesting immediate support!”\n 

The interference was caused by the enemy, not the signal set acting up. To counter this, Tanya increased radio wave output to maximum and started yelling.\n 

Amongst the remaining enemy forces, their Mages were the biggest threat. In terms of Mages, the Union was late to adopt their use and had a limited number of them. However, to make up for this weakness, they focused on strengthening their quality. They were able to achieve this because of the backing of countries that opposed the Empire. Afterall, “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”\n 

Tanya and the Empire’s Mages let down their guard for this battle because the enemy Mage units were supposedly reorganizing in the rear lines. According to intelligence reports, the enemy elite Mages were rushing to Eliance that was further to the north. This led to the strategic miscalculation, assuming that enemy Mages were not present.\n 

This counterattack caught the Empire off guard. No matter what, an enemy force that required the immediate notification of the command post appeared before Tanya. This was of grave importance, tactically and politically. Naturally, she reported in as per standard procedure, but she had no plans of fighting the enemy alone like a hero. Let those seeking death die, living on is the most important thing. The issue was how she could escape this crisis.\n 

“Detected enemy Mage units, squadron size, approaching fast.”\n 

Tanya prepared for aerial battle as she shouted at the signal set, her eyes capturing multiple figures flying at high speed. Disgustingly many of them.\n 

“Coordinates, AO Alpha, zone 8, altitude 4300!”\n 

She didn’t know about the enemy’s troubles or political motives, but they were full of fighting spirit. The way they were refusing to give in despite their forces’ imminent defeat as they charged ahead while screaming intensely was troubling. Being diligent enemy soldiers, they probably wasn’t bothered about causing trouble for us.\n 

On the grand scale of things the Empire was still gradually winning. It was a war they would certainly win. And that was why the situation was dire. While the Empire was in the process of winning a total victory, if her unit was to be defeated, they would be the only blemish in this battle.\n 

“The only ones to suffer a loss while everyone else wins.”\n 

Tanya was afraid that this would leave a irrefutable taint on her records— She was afraid of being treated like an incompetent person unable to complete her task. If the possibility existed, the situation before her was frightening. She didn’t have the right to refuse if her superiors ordered her to engage.\n 

She focused on reactive, evasive actions. Her smaller body could lessen the g-force slightly, but if she needed to dodge all the spells coming at her from all directions simultaneously, the burden would rise to another level.\n 

From the amount of shots coming at her, it was at least one flight? No, it might be an elite detachment. Going by tactical theory, they were trying to restrain Tanya’s movement and then attack her. The objective of the enemy being tying up Tanya was obvious.\n 

Their main strategic target was definitely her allied artillery batteries that were without air cover. The enemy squadron aimed to break through the defences and ravage the Empire’s support fire unit. Considering the strategic gains and risk involved, it was a profitable move. It was bad news no matter how Tanya sliced it.\n 

It wouldn’t be so bad if the Empire was using mobile artillery, but most of the batteries needed to be towed. Even for the Empire, the burden of forming the armoured divisions, Mage units and air force was heavy, and it would be too much to convert completely into mobile artillery. For the slow and heavy towed artillery, the time for them to run or hide was too despairingly short.\n 

They would need units to cover them directly, but to stop the attack of a Mage squadron, it would require a squadron of their own. Simply put, Tanya needed to stall for time before the cover unit arrives.\n 

“Engaging!”\n 

“Norden Control to Fairy08! Report the situation!”\n 

Fortunately, our side started counter electronic warfare measures and communications returned to normal. But look, they came as expected. My instinct for detecting trouble is a hundred percent accurate. Is the intuition of a woman so accurate? Outward appearance aside, I have no plans of being a woman. What is this annoying feeling?\n 

“This is Fairy08, engaging enemy. I say again, engaging enemy. Enemy squadron is infiltrating my airspace.”\n 

“Norden Control roger. Proceed to engage and begin stalling tactics. Gather as much intelligence as possible.”\n 

Ah, what did I say? This is the worst. Engage and collect intelligence? No, I have to stall the enemy before that? Harrass an entire squadron alone? In the open sky without any cover? If you are sending me to die, just tell me straight.\n 

“Enemy forces greatly outnumber me, requesting reinforcements.”\n 

“Norden Control acknowledged. Allied Mage flight has been scrambled. Airborne security squadron is also on your way, ETA (estimated time of arrival) 600 seconds.”\n 

What did you say? That they’ll will take ten minutes? That’s enough time to warm up a quick meal, finish it, and dispose of the garbage. Come on, it’s impossible for me to stall them for ten minutes.\n 

The most important thing is my life, and the only option is to run away. This is natural; I am not patriotic enough to fight a grand solo battle. But to avoid being branded as someone who flees before the enemy, I need a proper reason to do so. I will need a superior to judge that there is no strategic value in this airspace and order me to retreat.\n 

“Fairy08 to Norden Control. Requesting permission to disengage immediately. I say again, requesting permission to disengage immediately.”\n 

“Norden Control to Fairy08. Regrettably, permission denied. Please stall for time before friendly quick-reaction forces arrive on-site.”\n 

Ah— damn jerk. Please serve divine retribution to the pogue who doomed me with his orders! I really want to shout in his face— “Why not trade places with me? If you want to give unreasonable commands, then demonstrate for me to see.”\n 

“Fairy08 to Norden control. Please advise the situation of allied artillery unit.”\n 

Complaints aside, I am still an adult. I understand the consequences if I act out because of my body’s physical age. It’s not too late to take revenge after I make it big. In order to take revenge in the future, I need to handle the present situation perfectly.\n 

“Mage Tanya Degurechaff will do her duty even in the most dire of situations”— getting such a review is the only way to get out of this. Even if they court-martial me as a scapegoat, I can argue that I was aware of the danger by asking about the condition of the artillery behind me, and was doing all I could to resolve the crisis. I need to prepare my insurance first.\n 

“A flight of airborne security is coming to cover the artillery, ETA 300 seconds. The seventh roving squadron is also coming to assist. As reported earlier, their ETA is 600 seconds.”\n 

Ah, I see that this is the worst-case scenario. Please serve divine retribution to the jerk that caused this to happen!\n 

Why are the enemy Mages heading for the artillery in the lines behind me instead of anywhere else? What is the frontline unit in charge of early warnings doing?\n 

Why didn’t they detect a squadron pushing this deep into our territory? If they let their guard down because victory was assured, and shoved the responsibility onto me, how can I take it? If they want to attack the artillery, isn’t it fine to attack the zone next door? I won’t mind that at all. But why me?\n 

That damn devil. Is he still cursing me? Great, I say. If this is the case, I’ll go all out too. Everyone wants me dead? I won’t go down alone. I’ve made up my mind. I will pull everyone down with me. Instead of dying alone, it’s better to make it huge and drag everyone alongside me. I won’t be able to bear it otherwise.\n 

“Fairy08, roger. Norden Control, I will make it out alive, witness me!”\n 

“Norden Control, acknowledged. Good luck.”\n 

… I admit my shout was in frustration. Where is this luck you’re wishing me? Why the unnecessary words? The disgusting feeling welling up in my chest is making me frown.\n 

My situation right now is like the Tokugawa army on the verge of complete victory in the battle of Sekigahara, when the Shimazu forces came out of nowhere. What I want to say is— “Don’t come here! Shoo, go the other way.” Tanya bit her lower lip as she cursed her own misfortune. Forget it, this is my fate after being manipulated by [existence X] and co. I was prepared for this in the end… Although I’ve already gathered my resolve, I still have to buy some time in the sky where the enemy has the upper hand...\n 

Are there no child protection services here? I might not be cute on the inside, but my outward appearance is that of a kid. Instead of a kid, I am closer to a small child or toddler. Maybe the enemy would be hesitant to attack because of how I look, but it is difficult to expect such humanism on the battlefield.\n 

Including the Holocaust, if you knew what happened in Sarajevo and Rwanda, it was easy to understand that believing blindly in human kindness is very dangerous. People will change into ‘devils’, and commit demonic acts easily. It might not be taught in civics and ethics classes, but that’s the kind of beings humans are.\n 

Speaking of which, thinking that the existence of such devils committing inhuman acts meant a benevolent god must surely exist— such viewpoints from western culture are interesting too. But regrettably, I don’t think [existence X] is benevolent, so I’ll have to refute their views.\n 

[“Is God dead?”]\n 

There might be room for argument, but Nietzsche’s conclusion is correct. There is no God. Humanity has to save itself. In such a situation, that means conducting delaying defences.\n 

What she had on hand was full military garb with light protection against bullets, observation equipment, and a standard Mk. 13 Operation Orb made by Folkerr factory. Her spell rifle that shot magical projectiles beyond the caster’s range of consciousness wasn’t with her, as this was an observation mission. It was also too heavy, and regrettably, this body couldn’t handle it.\n 

Under such circumstances, what can I do in order to hinder the progress of the enemy? I know right from the get-go that I can only hope to target their weak points. And of course, I have no intention of dying needlessly. In the worst case scenario, I will even blow myself up. Instead of being picked off easily, I would rather take them with me. However, I really want to survive this.\n 

Naturally, the main priority should be to live on, so no, it is better to run now. If I abandon the equipment for artillery support, I’ll be lightly geared. If the objective of the enemy is the artillery, I just need to focus on fleeing and can definitely pull a large distance away into a safe area. The problem is, I am confident about running away now, but not so sure of what happens next. Desertion before the enemy is punishable by death. The moment you desert in the face of the enemy, you will need to play an intense game of hide and seek with the military police forever. Even though I am alone without any wingman, I have no choice but to fight.\n 

“... That means this is my personal battle?”\n 

Fighting with the resolve to die in a battle where victory was assured. No, strictly speaking, the objective of the enemy wasn’t to neutralize me, but to relieve their allies’ withdrawal effort by attacking the artillery. To them, killing me was like swatting a fly nearby as an afterthought.\n 

The threat of my elite life and career ending in such a casual way is humiliating. Looking down on others is my right, how can others do that to me? With no regards to the consequences, Tanya repeatedly injected herself with stimulants via doping spells. Her reaction speed and explosive strength was enhanced. She forced her magic power circuits open, and soothed the pain before it started with anesthesia in her brain. Ahhh, it feels good, my body is getting stimulated and becoming burning warm.\n 

This must be what it means to feel high. Even if I get shot down, I won’t be tormented by any pain and could run away without a hitch.\n 

“What an honour. So much fun... The greatest enjoyment. Hmmm, I’m so excited that I can’t help myself...”\n 

“Fairy08?”\n 

By intentionally letting the command post hear me talking to myself, I’ll feel more at ease. There will at least be a witness to prove I am full of fighting spirit. Even though I am feeling so great and happy that the world seems to be spinning, I can still keep a clear mind and think. The brains of Mages are really excellent.\n 

I can keep my mind from being corrupted by drugs and madness. That is why I can’t give up being a Mag