No sign of the enemy at present.
Estimated time of arrival at the Republican port town is nearly on schedule.
After all this time, we're intervening.
The brass sure does lack patience.
They must be desperate to enjoy wine and galettes at a Republican café.
Allied Kingdom Army Military Intelligence Lieutenant Colonel Sir Isaac Dustin Drake
Don't you hate that only now, they send us into a fire they could've put out?
Well, the Imperial Army is nothing if not based on rationalism.
The moment they realize they'll lose, they'll probably sign a peace treaty.
Are you sure about this?
I know you pulled some strings via Intelligence, but...
More than anyone, the colonel understands the threat posed by the Empire.
He'll be a good fit for bull-baiting.
Besides, ever since his rescue, he's been at it, not even contacting his family.
If no one stops him, he might charge into enemy territory alone.
Squad 1 on the ground.
No hostile magical signatures.
All squads, come in.
All squads.
Squad 2 on the ground.
We've established contact with Squad 3.
No hostile magical signatures.
Squad 3 here.
No hostile magical signatures.
Status of projectile from the acceleration device?
The door knocker appears to have hit the main target quite precisely.
Republican Army Base, Point A
Republican Army Base, Point B
We assume defensive teams at each location are scrambling to respond.
Republican Army Base, Point C
Good.
March with magical camouflage, and begin infiltration and sabotage operation.
Remove equipment and respond swiftly.
Squad 2, you're on target B.
Squad 3, on target C.
We will take target A.
With enemy reinforcements in mind,
we have ten minutes to finish.
After the attack, retreat at full speed.
Yes, ma'am.
All troops, move out!
Episode 10 The Path to Victory
May 25, Unified Year 1925
Imperial Army High Council
Our army has moved the
Rhine Front's right flank back to the designated defensive line.
We have completed a massive reorganization of battle lines.
Why did we retreat so far?
Isn't this too much?
About that... I've been notified that
the Imperial court has similar concerns.
On behalf of the military, I apologize for worrying the emperor.
Unfortunately, as it is a classified military matter,
I can provide no further detail.
Then, may I make a comment on behalf of the treasury?
Please.
As I'm sure we're all well aware,
most of the funding for this war is through the sale of bonds.
We have repeatedly
expressed concern that prolonging this war may cause
considerable economic distress.
Regarding the topic you mention,
we very much appreciate everyone's tremendous efforts and sacrifice.
At the same time, we believe that
we are at a crucial stage that will lead to the Republic's destruction.
Any other casualties?
Lieutenant...
We're clear.
No sign of optical camouflage.
Good.
Proceed to clear the building.
It's only a matter of time before the lowland's industrial area is lost.
How do you respond to the fact that
the western industrial area is nearly within range of enemy artillery?
At this rate,
our country's industrial production capabilities will be devastated.
We and the military must find a solution,
or we may be forced to discuss unpalatable political measures.
What does the military have to say on that matter?
Delicious.
It appears this is an abandoned facility, after all.
Damn.
How much time left?
Roughly 120.
We have no choice.
We'll raze it per our orders, even if it isn't the right site.
Prepare the explosion spell.
Yes, ma'am.
We're going to lose our industrial foundation!
Why have you retreated so far that the western industrial area is exposed?
This is obviously foolish!
It's almost time.
How do you plan to take responsibility?
Give us a proper explanation.
Do you not even have an apology for us?!
01 to all units.
Target A wasn't the enemy headquarters.
All squads, report your situation.
All squads, report!
What's the matter?
Report!
02 here.
Target B is a hit.
We destroyed their communication headquarters.
A-Apologies for interrupting the meeting!
What was the code?
We have a telegram.
"Our Fatherland, the ruler of the world."
I repeat.
"Our Fatherland, the ruler of the world."
Acceptable, indeed...
03 here.
Similarly, we've destroyed
an ammo depot at Target C.
Good.
All units, retreat at full speed.
Head to our ally's submarine.
Our elite troops have destroyed the enemy headquarters on the Rhine front.
We've successfully destroyed the enemy command structure.
You've destroyed their headquarters?
As of now, Operation Shock and Awe is complete.
I will now report on the third operation.
I hope you look forward to a follow-up report.
Rhine Theater: Republican Army Left Wing, Rawl Lowlands
All units have arrived at the front lines.
Observation team reporting in.
No enemies in sight.
Enemy troops silent.
Copy that.
Requesting orders from command.
What's your current situation?
There are no problems.
The Republic's main forces have arrived at the Rawl Lowlands.
They currently face our right flank.
What about the third operation?
I'm told it's ready.
One year later, we finally have a chance to pry open the door.
Rhine Theater: Republican Army Right Wing, Mesienn Highlands
Man, it's so boring on this side...
I envy the left flank.
Stop, don't do it.
They won't shoot at us, anyway.
Damn it.
When will this staring contest end?
Rhine Theater: Republican Army Right Wing Rear Echelon, Mesienn Highlands
Please respond.
This is Whiskey Dog.
Rhine Air Zone Control, please respond.
Radio jamming?
Let's hurry.
The right flank will get so bored, they'll start drinking industrial alcohol.
A messenger's life isn't easy.
There we go.
Was that a man-made explosion?
Operation Lock Pick Destruction of Enemy Encampment
Is the Empire attacking?
Lieutenant Colonel, what just happened?
E-Enemy troops advancing!
It's a combined force of heavy armor, along with mechanized infantry!
Make an emergency call to forward command!
If they don't send proper reserves,
we can't shore up our defenses!
Make it fast! No time to spare!
S-Sir...
I can't get through.
What?
I've been trying for a while,
but none of the frequencies are working!
Don't tell me...
Operation Lock Pick is a success.
Our forces' left flank has exited the tunnels dug from our trenches.
They have set several mine fields behind enemy encampments,
and with a coordinated attack, they succeeded
in blasting the Republic's right flank away.
Open sesame, eh?
I see your sense of humor is still disastrous.
A bit of wisdom from the days before cannons.
It's much better than being weirdly pedantic.
The Renaissance certainly wasn't bad,
but our concern should be the next step, Operation Revolving Door.
How does it progress?
Without delay.
The mixed force of heavy armor and mechanized infantry,
which broke through the enemy line during Operation Lock Pick,
is proceeding to the enemy's main force.
Things are progressing, steadily and swiftly,
toward complete encirclement of the main force.
After this, they'll have to add a page about us to books about the art of war.
Yes...
This one attack...
This one strike will end the war.
What's going on out there?!
Where's the captain? Is he all right?!
What's with comms?
No good, sir!
I have orders from the commander!
The commander's dead!
What the hell's happening?
What... What... is this?
This was... headquarters?
The Next Day, May 26 Imperial Territory
Good morning, Major!
Good morning, gentlemen.
I trust no idiot attempted
any mischief on Lieutenant Serebryakov while she slept?
No worries there.
We may be excited about destroying enemy command,
but we're still plenty anxious over our submarine being potentially sunk.
Pardon me.
Message from Strategic HQ Major Degurechaff.
Good work.
"Fantastic! Operation Lock Pick was a success, then?
Which will get the Revolving Door turning, as well."
Oh, I suppose you weren't briefed on the details.
It's a top-secret plan that Strategic HQ proposed to end the war.
The first operation
was feigning a large-scale retreat to lure the enemy's main force in.
The second operation
was the attack on enemy command to disrupt their chain of command.
The third operation
was the use of tactical tunneling to break through the enemy line.
Bringing us to
Operation Revolving Door which will surround the main enemy force.
Complete annihilation, using a large-scale envelopment.
An example of the ideal mobile encirclement.
Sounds like it's already been decided...
Correct.
The enemy's main forces are now fish in a barrel.
We did it!
All right!
Yes!
We will now deploy from the submarine.
And after participating in the encirclement attack,
we will return to the capital!
I'm sure you understand, but the field trip doesn't end until you're home!
No one can head to Valhalla without joining the victory celebration!
Yes, ma'am!
Now! Fire!
Retreat!
What is this? What the hell's going on?!
My arm!
Weren't we on the offensive?
Hey!
Multiple casualties.
The 3rd Regiment was wiped out!
Artillery units are down, too.
Orders from command?
Chain of command is totally paralyzed!
Nothing but contradictory orders!
Pull back! We need to retreat.
Pull back! The order is to retreat!
Pull back!
All Imperial forces engaged in the mission,
offensive operation 177 is currently underway.
All units, continue fighting.
This is Fairy 01.
Confirming declaration of 177.
Victory to the Empire.
Now, troops, our job is to find
and destroy any enemy forces attempting to retreat.
All you have to do is attack the enemy, if you find them.
If the land forces' performance is any indicator,
you won't have much to do.
Back at the capital...
For our attack on enemy command,
enough people to form an army corps want to buy us drinks.
I can guarantee you'll have free drinks for life.
That's fantastic!
Which does me no good, since I'm a coffee drinker.
The first large-scale encirclement since Cannae...
The Empire has created an unassailable, golden monument in military history.
Now that I think about it, being a soldier who lives amidst combat
can make you lose your mind, at times.
But once there's peace again,
everyday life will restore everything!
So just a bit more...
I need to be a little more patient.
With this attack... Just a bit more...
the war will be over!
Rhine Control to all units.
Multiple magical signatures detected in area 42.
Look out for long-range optical sniping spells.
Area 42 is the patch of ocean near us...
Rhine Control on general channels.
This message is for the unidentified mage unit in area 42.
Identify yourselves immediately.
I repeat, identify yourselves.
This is Fairy Battalion.
What information is there on this unidentified mage unit?
No indicators of affiliation.
But we've received reports from allied forces
that they've had contact with the Allied Kingdom's forces.
The John Bulls are getting involved?
I'm just part of operations, so I can't confirm.
Copy that. We'll assume bogey is a bandit.
Requesting permission to engage.
Sending a security echelon now.
You're to maintain your distance and stand by until they arrive.
Fairy 01, unable to comply! If we can get the drop on them—
Grantz!
One enemy down.
This goes beyond tossing and turning...
Explosion spell...
What?! L-Lieutenant Serebryakov—
Captain, we've neutralized the target.
Captain, what are my next orders?
What the heck?
Next Time Resistance
This program is fiction. All persons, groups, places, laws, and names appearing in it have no relation to the real world.