Chapter 46: Battle in the Mud 4

The next morning, we set out. We had modified the snails for invasion. Two boards were extended from the rear of each snail and connected to belts tied around the water buffaloes' bodies. We modified them so the water buffaloes would push the snails from behind. This would protect the buffaloes from enemy attacks. Five soldiers rode on each invasion snail. A total of 13 snails departed.

When we got somewhat close to the mine, the enemy detected us by the sound. We could see the commotion around the mansion even from here.

Enemy soldiers came out to the edge of the mud and fired arrows. However, our snails had sturdy boards surrounding the front and even had roofs, so we suffered no damage from the arrows. Some tried to aim at the water buffaloes with arching shots, but the buffalo handlers deflected them all. It seemed like several enemies were injured by friendly fire, and they retreated back to the mansion.

The snails crossed the sea of mud and landed on the solid ground where the mine was located.

The front boards of the snails dropped forward, and soldiers rushed out.

Shield-bearing soldiers split into four squads of 15 as planned, surrounding the mansion from all sides. "Now, Lord Hans, what should we do next?" "Please keep firing arrows continuously so the enemy won't detect what we're doing. Also, lend me three men skilled at climbing walls." "I have the perfect men for this. There are three who could make a living as street performers. Marco, Giovanni, Paulo, it's your turn!"

"We're at your service," answered Marco, who seemed to be their leader. "I want you to do this," Hans explained. "Is that all you need?" "Yes, that's it. Look forward to what happens next." "Yes, sir."

Arrows were fired continuously at the mansion, making it dangerous to look out the windows. Then the three men approached the mansion, carrying bags on their backs. They threw ropes with grappling hooks attached, hooked them onto the roof, and climbed the walls effortlessly. It was no problem for them; they were like monkeys. After reaching the top, they poured the contents of their bags into the chimney at the corner of the building. It looked like just black powder. After pouring the black powder into the chimney, the three men slid down the wall and returned to our position as if nothing had happened. "That was a piece of cake." "This was easy." "Hmph."

After confirming the three had returned, Agenda ordered: "Fire the fire arrows!" Countless fire arrows were shot in arcs, falling onto the mansion's roof. At first, nothing happened. But after several volleys, a few arrows went into the chimney.

Suddenly, all windows and doors instantly blew off, and crimson flames erupted with a thunderous roar. Screams and shrieks could be heard from the mansion. Then the mansion erupted in towering flames.

Oh boy, no one's going to survive this. As usual, this has turned into something terribly tragic.

"What happened?" Agenda and all the Republican soldiers were stunned by the sheer magnitude of what had just occurred.

"A dust explosion," Hans explained calmly.

"When fine powder and air mix in a certain ratio, and fire is introduced, it causes a massive explosion. This time we poured finely ground coal dust into the chimney. Then we ignited it with fire arrows." "Can it really cause such a tremendous explosion?" "Yes, it happens very rarely in coal mines. When a dust explosion occurs, it becomes a disaster causing terrible damage. It's an accident that should never be allowed to happen." "There must be no survivors among the enemy. Truly terrifying." Agenda looked at Hans with fearful eyes. Well, that's to be expected. He's not normal. But you're the one who told him to go ahead, so don't look at me.

After the fire subsided, we entered the burnt remains of the mansion. The interior was charred black. Most of the bandits had been burned to death. One person was barely alive, perhaps because he had been in an area with less fire. "Hey, do you have any last words? Is there a mastermind behind this?" "The... Western Empire..." he said before breathing his last. "What's the Western Empire?" "Never heard of it." "What could it be?"

"We've confirmed 27 bodies in total." "That means three more are unaccounted for. In the mine perhaps?"