Formicea
Chapter 202

Seems like this was our last resort.

The barrels burst and take with them the many specially prepared stabilization structures.

They crumble as intended, no longer supporting the ceiling, which gives way accordingly.

In this manner, all of the earth above gets displaced by at least five meters, if not more, depending on the spot.

As much material as our whole wall consists of is suddenly gone, the water of the river dropping together with the ground beneath.

All of this to devastating effect for everything that was so unlucky to be in the area of the greatest landslide ever seen in the northern countries.

The small ferries get swallowed by the stirred waters of the river, fortifications just drop with the dirt of the shores, and even beyond this, structures that the enemy took such a long time to build are suddenly gone.

From one moment to the other the battlefield didn't just change, it vanished. I took part in causing a natural catastrophe.

All that remains is a deep chasm, right where the river was before.

The very same now lying a good distance deeper.

Of course, the underground was prepared in a way that the wall was never at risk of being affected.

The few stragglers who already made it up there, now realizing there's nothing behind them anymore, won't pose to be too much trouble to be dealt with.

In some way, this achieved our goal.

Now crossing the river is going to be almost impossible.

You'd have to climb down there, put together a boat in this steep abyss, ferry to the other side, then climb not only up the chasm but over our whole wall as well.

All while we would still have archers stationed there.

Similar preparations happened all along the whole Garanas.

That is to say, the partition that was affected here is by far enormous enough to make a statement.

From my vantage point, I can't see the end of it on the sides.

I only know it's huge.

<Fascinating. I need to grant those humans that their ability to devise weapons of such impact is terrific. You were right in this regard, Erys. I don't want to imagine how things would develop if we left them unattended. Partaking in their development will allow us to maintain an equal position. After all, this shows all too well how we're able to make use of their innovations, just the same as them.> (L)

<This much is obvious. Did you think I would've supported this endeavor if I found no advantages in them? We'll continue to interact with humans and extract all the advantages from them they can offer.> (C)

<Yes, Sister. But caution is still well-advised.> (L)

<Possibly, but unfortunately, the reckless one already took action.> (C)

<Please, elaborate.> (L)

<The ensuing chaos will speak for itself.> (C)

<What do you mean?> (E)

<She's right at it.> (C)

The next moment, I start hearing screams and screeches from the area that just got devastated.

I quickly run back to the window and am stunned at what I see.

It's a massacre!

All around the field holes open up and interceptors descend.

Most noticeable, Inati's royal guard dawns over humans who were too stunned at what happened only moments before.

<I suggest we head for the higher levels to observe.> (C)

So it happens.

Apparently, there's no point in worrying any longer about getting targeted by enemy weaponry.

This much becomes clear after a single glance at the area below.

With the majority of the Koresoan army having been caught up in the downfall, only the rearguard and artillery remain.

Yet coming from the massive numbers that stream out of the holes on the other side, Inati gathered those troops long in advance.

<This seems quite excessive of Inati.> (L)

<I, I think so as well.> (E)

She's slaughtering these people!

<Truly, it's reckless. I am quite sure that she will appear herself at any moment on this battlefield.> (L)

This is it?

She's worried she's gonna expose herself?!

<On another note, it seems like this battle should pose no greater risk to her at this point.> (C)

<Yes. Most of the defensive positions have already fallen.> (L)

<It's rather interesting how little resistance humans show once their defense is broken. Almost no inclination to fight. It's becoming clear how much the individual depends on the sense of superiority they find in their group.> (C)

They sound even content with what happens there.

All the killing and bloodshed.

<D-do you truly think this is right? Isn't it already enough that we literally destroyed the whole area they were standing on? This, this seems like too much.> (E)

At this, Chera glances at Liseti.

<You didn't tell her?> (C)

<Erys tends to react poorly to this kind of necessary cruelty. She's a bit soft-hearted in this regard. This shows already in how she failed to foresee this development.> (L)

<What are you talking about?> (E)

Liseti's piercing gaze strikes me, her pheromones causing a chilling effect on me, while she starts speaking slowly and with heavy impression.

<The main reason why Inati is still here is that it was planned to make use of her strong offensive to press the advantage our activated trap would create. Her troops gathered on the other side of the affected area and were ready to attack once their troops that rely so much on order would be in disarray. I would have preferred not to involve her as early, but this development was completely intended, Erys.> (L)

I can barely process what I was just told.

Behind my back, those two right from the start planned to turn our already very extreme countermeasure into an annihilation event.

<How could you! Such a thing! This, this is heartless!> (E)

<I don't know in which way making the required decision to reach the best possible outcome for all involved would be an unfavorable trait as you indicate here.> (C)

<For all involved!?> (E)

I'm rather sure the people getting slaughtered out there beg to differ!

<Truly. If we now can instill a lasting sentiment to not fight us, this will preserve both our own members as well as theirs. They just had to be made aware of the fact of how hopeless their hostile actions are.> (C)

Does she seriously want to sell me all the causalities as something positive?

<Erys, you are not particularly well-versed in how to properly crush an enemy to prevent them from ever again rising up against you. This act was a necessity. Solely intimidating an opponent doesn't instill the kind of fear that would prevent them from trying ever again. No, it only poses to be a challenge. But if you defeat them as we did, they will know the consequences of their actions. Only this kind of threat qualifies for permanent peace. Furthermore, they received a warning. They didn't listen.> (L)

That is something I can't deny.

I tried to make them retreat.

I did all I could for this purpose.

Although, I'm pretty sure those two were fully expecting this outcome as much as they planned for this to happen.

Chera looks once more at the battlefield.

<Looks like it concluded.> (C)

<I hope she will remember not to chase the remnants too far.> (L)

<There you are making a line?> (E)

<Naturally. Intruding into the human dwelling would result in an uncontrollable situation and likely lead to counter-reactions. Humans are this petty. This would be counterproductive to our goals.> (L)

So not out of the goodness of her heart.

<Also, I'd like her to stay in the area to secure my objectives.> (C)

At this, Chera gives a sudden concentrated pheromone signal that can be somewhat translated to "now".

What else is there?

I don't need to wait for long and see soon enough how a swarm of interceptors descends onto the fields.

Yet the battle is already over, so they don't go for survivors.

Instead, they target... the artillery!

Chera wants those!

It all makes sense!

She uses this whole situation to obtain possible assets for her homefront against the monster crabs!

<An interesting direction. You may have a point.> (L)

<Naturally, I do. Obtaining their weaponry will serve to secure us against future attacks. Furthermore, if we ever can figure those out, this will greatly improve our combat potential. Such an opportunity can't go to waste. Which is why I'm supporting Erys so far.> (C)

Oh... wonderful.

<Now that this is settled, we should wait for Inati's return. I'm sure the after-talks are going to become very productive.> (L)

Oh please, not that word!