I’m not sure if his name is Hiwa or Nichirin, I chose Hiwa because it’s easier to say.
10-42. A Tale from the Past 4: Strategy
Attacking from a place where the enemy can see us.
Dacia and Renma thought it was a risky plan.
If they are seen attacking, the human forces at the Iron vein will undoubtedly come to their aid and counterattack.
It’s obvious that would happen.
Despite that, Hiwa made the decision to deliberately show themselves while attacking.
“Why? It’s too dangerous. Even if the enemy transporting supplies becomes their reinforcement, it’s already tough enough, let alone showing them the scene of the attack.”
“I agree, Hiwa. It would turn into a mere war of attrition. Targeting only the supplies might be easy for the devils who can fly, but if they get noticed, the tables will quickly turn against us.”
“That alone is enough.”
“…I can’t read this plan. Explain it in more detail.”
Hiwa nodded slightly and started moving the water figurine he had made.
“The two most important aspects of this strategy are: first, attacking from a position where we won’t be attacked by the enemy holed up in the mountain range, and second, destroying only the supplies.”
“…Are you suggesting we leave the humans alone?”
“Yes. If the supplies run out and the human population increases, their food consumption will intensify.”
The devil figurine attacked the human figurine transporting supplies.
It destroyed only the supplies, and then the devil figurine flew high up into the sky.
At the same time, human figurines descended from the mountain range as reinforcements.
Next, the devil figurine infiltrated the mountain range.
“This is the plan.”
“Haha, showing the attack to provoke reinforcements, sending devils into the mountain range where the human numbers have dwindled… It’s easy to descend, but difficult to climb. By the time humans re-enter the mountain range, the devils will wreak havoc and reduce the enemy’s forces.”
“I, I see…”
“If the devils charge into the iron vein, prioritize destroying food over attacking humans. …Well, if it were that simple, but it’s better to be prepared for any possibility. Let’s have another plan in place.”
“What would that be?”
“In case the enemy doesn’t send reinforcements from the mountain range…”
If you visually confirm the enemy’s attack, most people would think they need to help.
However, you must also consider the possibility that the true objective would be exposed.
Nevertheless, the plan for that scenario is quite simple.
“Do nothing.”
“Huh?”
“It would be more accurate to say, do nothing. Destroy only the supplies, and retreat with the troops we had waiting.”
“Wait, wait! That’s really incomprehensible! There must be something else we can do!”
“In this case, we’re not considering weakening their military strength. We’re breaking the enemy’s bonds.”
“Bonds…?”
Hiwa nodded and began moving the figurines again.
The devil figurines destroyed the supplies, creating an image of humans not sending reinforcements from the mountain range.
The waiting devil figurines, along with the ones responsible for destroying supplies, retreated together.
Then, the remaining reinforcements finally entered the mountain range.
“Right? This is how it’ll turn out, won’t it? Look, Hiwa. The enemy has increased, right? We should consider the situation where we can’t destroy their supplies. If so many of them enter inside, won’t it be bad?”
“But the humans who transported the supplies will surely think this: ‘Why didn’t you help us?'”
“…Ah.”
“I see…”
If they saw it directly, they should quickly grasp the situation.
If they see it and still don’t send reinforcements, it’s only natural that cracks will appear.
If they let those who were attacked without any help, risking their lives to transport supplies, dissatisfaction will arise between the humans when facing the devils.
If reinforcements come from another country, it would be an even more effective attack.
So, all the water was sprinkled outside.
After finishing the explanation, Hiwa looked at Dacia.
“How about this? Even if we can’t destroy the supplies, we have a second plan. No matter how things turn out, the enemy will suffer damage. It’s just a different approach.”
“Can I ask one thing?”
“Go on.”
“What if, the destruction of supplies fails, reinforcements from the mountain range don’t come, and they just send reinforcements to the iron vein… What do we do?”
Even if there’s a disagreement, if the supplies and reinforcements aren’t significantly affected, it will end up being just harassment. However, it’s best to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Indeed, it’s important to anticipate.
But in this case…
“That would mean the failure of the operation. It would only prolong the time for the devils to recapture the vein.”
“H-Hey… aren’t you too blunt.”
“The enemy isn’t foolish. Besides, the most crucial aspect of this plan is destroying the supplies. If we relentlessly destroy them, the plan will succeed. If we can’t, it’s a failure. There’s no other way to minimize the damage. Once we decide on a plan, we must make it succeed at all costs. Renma, there’s no room to hesitate in battle.”
“Hahaha, you’re right. If that happens, it’ll be due to our own inadequacy. Alright, let’s try it that way then.”
Dacia took a purple stone from her magic bag.
She bit into it and placed her finger on her forehead.
She remained silent for a while, then quickly put the stone back into the magic bag.
“I’ve communicated with my allies. I’ll have them search for the enemy’s supplies and reinforcement.”
“Good luck.”
“Yeah. I’ll trust in your plan.”
Swoosh.
At that moment, Enma and Hinata entered together.
“What are you so amused about?”
“Well, about various things. Here, Dacia. You came here for iron, right?”
“Yes. Enma-sama, could you spare some iron for me?”
After the conversation flowed smoothly, Dacia was able to receive the iron from the raid. She was told to return the favor with sand iron and steel, so it seems she had to recapture the vein no matter what.
Hiwa, who had a feeling that this plan would succeed as long as the devils weren’t too weak, looked forward to the reports Dacia would bring.
Since the human reinforcements weren’t expected to arrive yet, Dacia would stay overnight here.
They had already made the arrangements, so it wouldn’t be a problem if she returned late.
That night, the people of the Akki Gate Village, including Dacia, witnessed birds wrapped in blazing flames.
