saiki

ch 19

"Protect the Empire" is, at its core, a defense game.

And what's the golden rule of such games?

Monsters follow distinct patterns of behavior. These patterns are designed for the players to understand and to formulate a defensive strategy accordingly.

In "Protect the Empire", the monsters usually exhibit one behavioral pattern.

'Kill humans.'

They choose the shortest route, targeting the nearest human.

With such transparent behavioral patterns, a myriad of strategies can be constructed.

The simplest strategy is distraction. A small unit can be sent out to attract the monsters' attention, steering them to a specified location.

Then, there's my preferred strategy - the 'Forced Path'.

By obstructing their way with wooden fences, walls, barricades, and the like, you can consume their time.

If their route is entirely blocked, the monsters will demolish the hurdles and press on. However, if a small opening is left, and a bait is provided with a small unit, the monsters will be manipulated to follow that path.

At the end of this contrived path, a crossfire awaits.

Herding the monsters into a narrow space and focusing all firepower to obliterate them in a single sweep.

This is the fundamental strategy of a defense game.

"It's the 'Kill Zone'!"

I cried out, my fist clenched tightly.

-Bang! Boom-boom-boom!

The monsters began to trickle in through the entrance wedged between the fence walls.

One after another, the cannons mounted on the fortress walls spewed fire at these incoming beasts.

-Ka-boom! Ka-ka-boom-!

Living Armors, having breached the gate, were melted down by the horrifying explosions.

"Fire!"

My arm swung wildly as I bellowed at the top of my voice.

"Fire! Fire! Don't pause! Keep firing until the barrels are molten!"

My command echoed, carried forward by Lucas.

"Fire, reload, then fire again! We can't afford to give them a breather!"

Soldiers manning each cannon, drenched in sweat, engaged in the endless cycle of reloading and firing.

A deafening barrage of sounds filled the air, setting off unending explosions at the point of contact. Living Armors were obliterated ruthlessly.

But the battle wasn't over yet.

"Lilly!"

I quickly swiveled to the side.

"Is the gravity field artifact ready?"

"It's ready!"

Lilly, who had somehow taken charge of all artifacts, promptly responded. I nodded.

"Activate it!"

"Yes! Activating gravity field artifact!"

The alchemists on standby echoed in unison and activated the brown magic device.

"Artifact, activating!"

-Whirrrr-!

With an unusual operating sound, the gravity field artifact sprang to life.