Chapter 104 - Chapter 103: Taking Command
The day after departing the campsite, they arrived at Barrel Fort, where they relieved the small number of duty soldiers who had been maintaining the fort and took over the responsibility of its defense.
Barrel Fort was a small-scale facility consisting of a single-story headquarters, a warehouse, stables, and a watchtower, all enclosed by stone walls.
It was slightly smaller than the other forts they had seen during their journey, and it seemed that 250 people would indeed be sufficient for its defense.
The fort sat atop a gentle hill. Gates were positioned on the west side, facing the Lancel Kingdom, and on the east side, which served as the rear.
To the front-right, facing the enemy in the northwest, there was a forest, and small patches of forest were scattered on the left side as well. Other than that, the landscape consisted of plains.
"The headquarters building contains a command room, a medical room, and a kitchen, as well as several private rooms. For the time being, Noein-dono, the officers, and I will use them. The soldiers will stay in tents."
The executives gathered in the command room to discuss future plans.
"Additionally, either I or my adjutant will remain awake at all times. Noein-dono, I ask that you ensure at least one person—either yourself, the Chief Attendant, or the Deputy Chief Attendant—remains awake as well."
Being a member of the elite First Legion, Frederick was indeed capable. Under his precise instructions, personnel and supplies were deployed throughout the fort in an instant, and shifts for sentries and command were established.
By the evening of their arrival, Barrel Fort had begun to function as a defensive facility prepared for war.
That evening's dinner was shared between the executives and the beastman representatives to deepen the unit's cohesion.
"So, Jinozze was already the leader of the other beastmen?"
"Yes. I have served as the village chief for generations in a beastman settlement within the Marquis Gardwin's territory. However, due to raids by the Lancel Kingdom army and the deterioration of the economy, life in the settlement became unsustainable... and since there was no other choice if we wanted to survive, the villagers who were capable of fighting joined together as conscripts."
Through the conversation, the background of how the beastmen stationed at Barrel Fort became conscripts was revealed.
"This Boreas also served as a village chief in a different settlement. There was some exchange with his settlement, so we were acquaintances."
"I see... it is a blessing in disguise that those from the same region were not scattered. As someone in a position of command, it is helpful that you know one another."
As expected, Frederick did not seem to harbor any hatred toward beastmen, and the meal maintained a peaceful atmosphere.
"My son was also being educated as the next village chief, so I believe he will be of use... that one over there. His name is Kenooze. Please make use of him if there is any need."
Where Jinozze pointed, a young rat beastman man, who somewhat resembled him in features, was eating with the other beastmen.
"What will everyone do once this war is over? Will you return to your original settlements?"
When Noein asked, both Jinozze and Boreas darkened their expressions.
"I returned once before to check on the settlement... but it had been burned down by the Lancel Kingdom army. It was the same for Boreas's settlement. Since we lost our homes and fields, we likely cannot return to our former lives. I do not know what will happen after the war, but I will think about it after I survive."
As Jinozze spoke, the air in the room grew heavy. Beside Noein, Matilda's expression shifted slightly as if in anguish. As a beastman also from the south, she seemed to have her own thoughts on the matter.
Noein looked over at Matilda, and when their eyes met, he gave a small nod.
.....
"Listen, position yourself so that your line of sight and the crossbow's line of fire are aligned straight forward and slightly upward. Keep your armpits tight. Pull the trigger as if you are squeezing it."
"When pulling the string, place your center of gravity on the foot hooked into the stirrup. Do not use only arm strength; use your entire body to pull firmly."
Starting the day after arriving at Barrel Fort, crossbow marksmanship training for the conscripts began.
Yuri and Pence served as instructors, assisted by the soldiers of the Arqvist territory army. Following the two men's instructions, the conscripts formed squads of ten to practice shooting at targets, becoming accustomed to handling the crossbows.
"As I thought, the larger races are faster at loading. The smaller races seem to struggle a bit with pulling the string."
"Yes. However, regarding the hit rate on the targets, the smaller races seem to be superior."
Noein exchanged this conversation with Matilda while watching the marksmanship training. Since the start of the battle was still a little while away, Noein was, quite honestly, bored.
"Noein-sama, the assembly of the Ballistas is complete."
The ones who spoke to Noein, who had been watching the training without doing anything, were the territory army soldiers he had entrusted with the preparation of the Ballistas.
"Good work. How were the magic tools for the Explosive Flame Arrows?"
"Out of the 50 we brought, only 3 had cracked. As expected, it was due to the vibrations during transport... I am sorry."
"No, it can't be helped, don't worry about it. Let's think of ways to improve the storage method in the boxes and the transport method after we return."
The magic tools that served as the arrowheads for the Explosive Flame Arrows were made of ceramics so that they would shatter and scatter oil upon impact. Because of that, care had to be taken to ensure they did not break during long-distance transport.
Measures had been taken, such as creating detailed partitions inside the wooden boxes and using cloth or cotton as cushioning material, but it seemed that transporting all of them safely had not been possible.
"Noein-dono, that weapon called a Ballista? In essence, is it a giant crossbow?"
Frederick, who had approached Noein, asked with interest.
"That's right, the principle is the same as a crossbow. Since it is large, the power is tremendous, so it can be used for hunting large monsters or in siege warfare."
"I see... however, can it be utilized in the defense of a fort?"
"Even with normal arrows, you can surprise the enemy with power enough to pierce through shields, and there are special arrows that attach disposable magic tools to the tip. I believe it will exhibit tremendous effectiveness as a defensive weapon. We call these 'Explosive Flame Arrows'."
When Noein explained the Explosive Flame Arrows, Frederick showed an expression as if he were slightly put off.
"To scatter flames and burn groups of enemies... it is quite a ruthless weapon. In other words, it is like reproducing high-level fire magic."
"Yes. With these, if you are lucky, you can neutralize dozens of people with a single shot. It will be a disaster for the enemy... but for the side using them, I think it will be reassuring."
When Noein said this with a beaming smile, Frederick responded with a somewhat strained smile.
While this was happening, a soldier who had gone out beyond the walls for reconnaissance and messaging returned. He was a middle-aged officer who had risen through the ranks and served as Frederick's adjutant.
"Report."
"Yes. The other forts have generally completed their preparations and are awaiting the start of the war. It is said that the main army's combat will begin in approximately three days."
"I see. That means the combat here will likely begin after that... good work, get some rest."
After dismissing the adjutant, Frederick turned back to Noein.
"That is the situation. Not that we should be careless, but let's not be too tense for the next three days. Once the fighting begins, it will be a long haul."
"You're right... I'll sleep as much as possible in the meantime. It seems like getting a good night's sleep will be difficult once we are facing the enemy."
To Frederick, who spoke in a deliberately light tone, Noein replied jokingly.