The First Battle

　About an hour after the magic airship started sailing, there was a reaction on the magic passive radar.

"Kousuke-san, the passive radar caught a magic response from something other than the Dragoon in the air at 10 o'clock. The magic power is about half that of the Wyvern."

"How many?"

"Um, thirteen... no, fifteen? The amount of magic power varies and the accuracy is a little more accurate. The distance is about 15km."

"Improving the accuracy of the magic passive radar is an urgent task... Darko, this is Kosuke, respond."

"Yes, captain."

"The ship's magic passive radar caught some kind of magic response. Air position, number around 15, magic power about half of wyvern. It seems to be a flock of flying bites. Please contact the dragoons."

"Iicer"

　While listening to Darko's reply, I operated the magic voice tube installed on the bridge to broadcast to all ships.

"At 10 o'clock, about 15km away, we caught what appeared to be a flying biter. The number was around 15. All personnel, 3rd class combat deployment."

　The content of the third-class combat deployment is to be prepared to take an interception system at any time if there is a notification. Specifically, even those who are off-duty are wearing combat equipment so that they can pick up their weapons and fight at any time. Second class combat deployment refers to the state in which all combatants actually pick up their weapons and take their positions, while first class combat deployment refers to the state in which weapons are ready to use so that interception can begin at any time. That's how I'm doing it for now, but I'm sure I'll change it if something goes wrong in the future. After all, there is no track record of operating a magic airship, so everything is fumbling.

"what will you do?"

"The judgment of the battle has been thrown to the Dragonis Mountain Kingdom. We are waiting for an invalid judgment."

　I said to Isla for a few minutes. I got a call from Darko.

『Captain, he wants to contact the enemy and confirm cooperation.』

"Understood. Then, as planned, the dragoons will fish out the herd and the first attack will be the lightning gun."

『Iicer, I will tell you so.』

"Altitude, speed as they are. Move towards 10 o'clock. All personnel, second-class combat deployment."

"eye icer"

　The sorcerer who is the helmsman responds to my instructions and turns the wheel. Now then, don't engage immediately if the distance is 15km. In my case, all I have to do is select a loaded weapon from the shortcut to prepare for battle, and it's over in an instant. In a sense, it is always a first-class combat arrangement.

"I?"

"Isla will be on standby here. Me and Isla are different in terms of how we can respond to unforeseen circumstances in the magic airship itself."

"Muu...it can't be helped"

　As a matter of fact, this magic airship is like a collection of advanced magic tools, so if something unforeseen happens--for example, if you receive damage and cause some kind of malfunction--I'd rather you than me. Isla can respond more quickly and accurately. I learned a little about magic and magic tools from Isla and Ifrita, but I'm still an amateur. From the knowledge of the earth and the knowledge of various games, there are times when I can give useful advice to Aira and the others, but when it comes to the depth of knowledge, it is still at the tip of my toes. I haven't even gone to the point where my ankles are soaked.

"Well, I won't go out unless I have a lot of things to do. I don't think I'll be an opponent with about 15."

"Hmm, that's right."

　In the Sorrel Mountains, he fought more than twenty wyverns at once. I can't help it with a low-ranked flying biter.

"But let your guard down. Flying Biters are lower-ranked monsters than Wyverns, but they're not Wyverns."

"That's right. Let's go without letting our guard down."

　Just because it's less threatening as a monster than a wyvern doesn't mean it's an easier opponent for us, and for this magic airship. It's faster than the wyvern, so there's a possibility that this magic musketeer's gunfire won't hit.

"A group of monsters that seems to be the dragoons and flying bites that have preceded us are approaching our ship."

"Everyone, first class combat arrangement. Torpedo gunners, be careful not to involve dragoons. Prioritize not accidentally shooting allies rather than involving a large number of enemies."

　Uses a magic speaking tube to send instructions throughout the ship. By the way, non-combatants are supposed to evacuate to the cabin when the second class combat deployment is issued. The spectators... apparently, almost all of them are fully armed and still on the deck. Well, I'm riding to watch the game, so it's natural.

"I can see it"

"Seriously? Your eyes are good..."

　When I heard Isla mutter while looking ahead of the ship, I took out the telescope from my inventory and prepared. It's an elongated monocular. For some reason, I thought it would be better to create a fantasy-like atmosphere. By the way, the binoculars are already made with binoculars.

"Ah, it hurts. Quartermaster, it's a rudder. Turn your port side to the approaching swarm of monsters."

"eye icer"

　Since the torpedo guns are installed on the bow and on the left and right sides, the firepower is higher when facing either side rather than facing straight ahead. Hmm, it's just that. Considering the offensive ability, it would be better to line up three or four torpedo guns on the bow to increase the firepower in front. If the firing direction is fixed to the front, you don't need a gunner, and if the magic power used for firing is supplied from the magic stone furnace, you don't need a loader. Unlike gunpowder cannons, there is no need to think about recoil. Let's submit it as a renovation proposal when we return to the country.

　Actually, I thought the same thing when I fought the Wyvern in the Sorel Mountains. But at that time, I didn't have time to renovate it, so it was left as it was. This ship is a messed up rushed product. It can't be helped that there are rough spots in various places. Regarding the placement of the guns, I was too drawn to the concept of cannons on both sides of a sailing ship. I have to reflect on this.

"I will soon engage you."

"Be careful not to accidentally fire at friendly forces. All weapons are permitted to use."

　There's nothing left for me to do when I get here. At most, when the battle on the deck becomes inferior, I will go out and help. After that, Ted and Darko will take command of the battle on the spot.

　Gaooooooo!

　Along with the ear-splitting thunder, the magic airship's port direction was filled with pale light. Her two port side and bow one torpedo cannons showed their power. I could see many long, black shadows that seemed to be Flying Biters falling freely. Did he get a direct hit from the thunderbolt gun, or did he get numb even though he didn't get a direct hit, or was he stunned by the sound and light... In any case, if he were to free fall from this altitude and hit the ground, he would die. I can't escape it. As far as I can see, the dragoons didn't seem to take any damage.

　Next, the sound of magic gun firing, which is somewhat quieter than the thunder of the lightning gun, resounds in succession, and the rest of the Flying Biters that were flying around bloom blood flowers in the air before falling down. The target is smaller than the wyvern, but it's a good target for our magic musketeers as it flies unsteadily under the influence of the lightning gun. The lightning gun is not only powerful, but it also has the effect of temporarily depriving the opponent of sight and hearing without a direct hit, so it has a high synergy with the magic gun.

"Flying Biters' magic response disappeared, annihilated."

"Understood. Everyone, release the first combat deployment. Stand by in the second combat deployment until the threat is eliminated."

　For the time being, the first grab is OK. Let's resume the march once the dragoons have confirmed the safety of the surrounding area.