Anti-armor ammunition
Two days later, the Youth Civilization arrived at Red Fruit Slope as planned.
Su Ming released small drones to patrol the area, while Gospel and Younier led the zombies to prepare the train.
While the little Tuanzi was sleeping, Katharine also took the time to help Hansite load the gunpowder. Su Ming and Zijin then began to debug the projectile device.
The system configuration this time is relatively simple, using air as power to launch 70mm diameter fire extinguishing bombs. After debugging the subsystems such as air inflation, loading, and rotating elevation launcher, Su Ming set up several targets 300 meters away and began test firing.
The test round was loaded, Su Ming manually operated the projectile to aim at the target, which unsurprisingly missed.
"The bullet's velocity is not bad," Zijin, observing the trajectory of the test missile. "Ordinary soldiers couldn't dodge it."
Su Ming glanced at the laser velocity measuring device, which showed that the exit velocity of the test projectile reached 90 meters per second.
According to the operation manual, these data still have the potential for improvement. Su Ming adjusted the system parameters, and after several rounds, increased the initial velocity to 120 meters per second. Then the two of them conducted continuous firing, reaching a firing rate of 3 shots per second.
"Is this really a civilian product?" Zijin asked, puzzled. "Its performance far surpasses that of most of our artillery!"
"Of course," Su Ming said.
The product he ordered was indeed a genuine civilian product, designed with a launch pressure of 1 MPa and an initial velocity of 15 m/s. The workshop manufactured the equipment as promised, completing the required loading, homing aiming, and other systems.
As originally designed, it would automatically track the fire point and launch fire extinguishing bombs to put out the fire after the fire alarm is triggered—a genuine fire extinguishing device.
In terms of chamber pressure, gas storage pressure, and many other aspects, the manufacturer provided an excessively large margin according to Su Ming's requirements. As a result, after Su Ming replaced it with a high-pressure gas supply system with an 80 MPa pressure, the equipment immediately changed its appearance!
Sometimes, there isn't that much difference between civilian machinery and lethal weapons.
****
A figure suddenly rushed into the firing range, swooped down from the air to catch a test missile, and landed steadily in his arms.
"Hehe!" Qiluo tossed the test round in her hand; it was a round shape, pointed at both ends and bulging in the middle, with four stabilizing fins at the tail. "This is the new ammunition you ordered from my sister, Beianqi?"
"No wonder he can pounce on a bull," Su Ming thought to himself. Bulls are blood-sucking insects that can penetrate thick skin, and their short-term flight speed is among the top in the insect world.
He explained to the unicorn, "This is a test missile; the live one is filled with explosives."
Qiluo weighed it in her hand. "It's so light—most of it is hollow. How much explosive are you planning to fill it with?"
150 grams.
"150 grams?" Qiluo looked at Su Ming as if he were an idiot. "Your power is no match for protective armor! Quickly fill the inside with explosives; it might even have some effect!"
"No way," Su Ming refused. "If the overall weight is filled, the projection frequency and initial velocity will drop significantly."
"What's the point if it can't hurt anyone?" The unicorn was completely baffled. "Soldiers have armor, and the armor even has protective runes. This little bit of explosive is like a tickle!"
"It can be injured," Su Ming replied. "It's a special design."
Qiluo clearly didn't believe her. "Then I'll deploy my shield and stand still while you hit me! If you can penetrate it in less than 100 shots, I'll admit defeat!"
Against projectiles, the specialized magical shield is more effective than armor. Combined with its own Magic Power and the Moon Prayer spell, the unicorn is full of confidence.
Then she noticed that Su Ming was looking at her with the kind of eyes that showed concern for people with intellectual disabilities.
A chill ran through Qiluo, and goosebumps rose on her skin. She instantly abandoned her stance, "Um, I just remembered I have something to do."
You guys are busy!
"No—" Su Ming had just opened his mouth to try and stop her when he realized the little girl had already run away like the wind.
"You're quick to seize the opportunity," the unscrupulous mechanic lamented. "I really wanted to test its effectiveness."
"Shaped charge, Monroe effect, supersonic metal jet." Zijin was still engrossed in her reference book. "Why would your Earth develop such incomprehensible weapons!"
"We have a type of weapon of war called a tank, which can advance on the battlefield like a fortress," Su Ming described to the scholar. "At its thickest point, its effective armor can reach over 800 millimeters."
"800 millimeters?" The scholar gestured with his hand to indicate the famous size, imagining it for a moment, "That's really... insane."
"That's why we developed this hollow-charge warhead." Su Ming picked up the test projectile that the unicorn had discarded on the ground. "Through the directional energy condensation created by the cone-shaped charge, a metal jet traveling at up to 25 times the speed of sound can be generated at the point of impact, thus countering armor."
The scholar shuddered, her gaze towards Su Ming now completely transforming into one of utter disbelief. "You're using something like this to hit people—aren't you worried about getting burned?"
This is a crucial issue: an over-penetrating metal jet will only leave a tiny hole in the human body, significantly reducing its stopping effect on living organisms.
"That's why I reduced the caliber of the ammunition, and even replaced the propellant shield with tin," Su Ming said, tossing the spindle-shaped bomb in his hand. "This version's jet only travels at a few times the speed of sound, and its armor-piercing capability is limited to 50mm of homogeneous steel plate."
"50mm." The scholar remained silent. Even the thickest armor wouldn't exceed a few millimeters; even with the addition of alchemical materials to increase hardness and the engraving of runes...
Even with added magic, it still can't compare to a steel plate as thick as a dictionary.
Zijin recalled something, "Didn't you ask Beianqi to make grape bullets back then?"
At that time at sea, the MK71 shone brightly in naval battles, and Su Ming planned to stockpile weapons that could kill personnel. His initial idea was indeed shrapnel shells.
"Beianqi reminded me that cluster munitions could kill unarmored civilian targets, but they couldn't penetrate protected targets on the battlefield," Su Ming replied. "So the plan was modified."
The battlefield situations in the two worlds are different, so naturally not all weapons are applicable. Fortunately, in the area of armored warfare, Earth's technology side is not lacking in technology; if shrapnel shells don't work, there are other options.
As long as one knows how to choose and utilize it, the civilization of his hometown will always be Su Ming's reliance.
"Then our enemies are in for a rough time," the scholar remarked.
****
It took another hour for the remaining two fire extinguishing bomb launchers to start operating smoothly.
The accuracy of manual shooting was appalling, but Su Ming had no intention of doing it himself. He activated the automatic aiming system, initialized the relevant parameters, and then let the intelligent system practice target shooting and self-correct.
The firefighting system on the equipment was also replaced and modified by Su Ming's studio.
Zijin went to the warehouse and found a set of magical ornaments, which she gave to Katharine.
During the sea monster mission, she had planned to use this set of accessories as collateral for supplies, but unfortunately the representative of the Star Empire was too sensible and paid the cost in advance.
"The Mirage Set!" Katharine exclaimed in surprise upon seeing the box. "You actually went and returned it to its rightful owner!"
"It's just a temporary loan," Zijin replied. "What I got by my own merit is mine."
"Alright, 10,000 gold coins to redeem it," Katharine stated directly. "I quite like this set."
She had also lost her previous jewelry during the escape, so this time, with the addition of weapons and jewelry, she had finally replenished her most important combat equipment.
Are you confident of success this time?
Departmental withdrawal
"You two are real foxes, fighting against a scumbag fox. Don't turn the tables."
"You're overthinking it." Katharine finished putting on her jewelry, stretched, and said, "What's really giving me a headache is how to repay your debts— Su Ming's demands are too difficult."
"It's just asking you to find a little bit of information." Su Ming happened to be nearby and said upon hearing this, "I think the price you offered was too low, since you took such a big hit for me!"
"Yes, all you're asking for is the production record and technical data of the Gospel. You're really getting off easy," Zijin agreed, feeling that Su Ming had fallen for his soft-hearted nature again.
"In terms of value, it certainly doesn't compare." Katharine didn't argue this point, "But the Heavenly Father of the Gospel made it a very old piece of time ago."
Thoroughly investigating the craftsmanship details from back then is a very troublesome matter. If you're interested in artifact spirits, I can help you find relevant recent finished products, which would be much easier."
"I only want the Gospel, and I'll comply with your request," Su Ming said. "The craftsmen who participated back then are dead, so we'll look for the records they left behind. Their lineage has ended; we'd rather dig up their graves than miss any clues!"
Upon hearing this, Zijin glanced sideways, "You're acting a bit like a necromancer today!"
Su Ming didn't offer much explanation. The value and importance of the new superconducting material were beyond the comprehension of these otherworldly beings. Su Ming knew that some things were unethical, but when it came to the development of civilization, everything else had to give way.
Whether these practices are right or wrong is unknown. But not doing them is definitely wrong!
****
The following day, the morning of the 22nd, at Red Fruit Slope.
A biting wind swept across the area, carrying scattered snowflakes.
The reconnaissance squad of the pursuers finally appeared. They cautiously followed the tracks and soon discovered that the trail abruptly ended not far away—the massive, silvery-white train of vehicles sat silently atop the hill ahead, reflecting a cold gleam in the sunlight.
Several sizable magic arrays have been deployed around the hillside, providing tight protection in all directions.
Just as the scouts were about to take a closer look, a strange magical fluctuation suddenly appeared on the snow beneath their feet. Their expressions changed drastically, and they turned to retreat, but it was too late.
Katharine appeared like a snow phantom. Although these soldiers were quite strong, they were no match for her. Especially with the right equipment, it was even easier for her. She swiftly dispatched them all, leaving one alive as usual.
She knocked the prisoner unconscious, tied him up, and carried him back. Just as she entered the protective range of the magic array, she discovered the prisoner was spitting blood.
The person has already died.
"Alas!" Qiluo appeared, "Your enemy has become more cunning."
Katharine examined the bodies and determined the cause of death to be poisoning; clearly, these scouts had been implanted with a potent toxin. The exact triggering mechanism was unknown, but the purpose was obvious—the enemy commander would rather kill his own men than allow her to obtain any more intelligence.
This insidious tactic was in line with Jimite's usual style, and Katharine was unfazed by it.
"Keep watching, and call me if anyone gets close," Katharine instructed.
It must be said that the unicorn's perception is quite sharp. Even when the opponent is an elite scout, she still gives an early warning.
"Don't worry, no one will be missed!" Qiluo replied.
The unicorn kept her word, and soon she told Katharine that more guests had arrived.
Katharine searched with her binoculars, looking several times in the direction indicated by the unicorn before finally locating their target. This time it was a three-person group: a mage and two ordinary soldiers. They were approaching along an extremely well-hidden path, making them very difficult to spot.
"Excellent!" Katharine praised.
Qiluo sat in the white train carriage, swinging her legs, yawning listlessly. "Their main force is so slow! All they send are small fry!"
"What we need to take advantage of is this time difference."
Katharine rushed over and easily identified two ordinary soldiers. This time, she didn't bother taking any prisoners and killed them on the spot.
After searching the area and confirming that nothing had been "missed," Katharine returned to the White Bone Train. There, the surviving mage trembled as he crawled out of his hiding place and fled.
An hour later, the Hero scout finally escaped back to his unit and immediately reported the news: the Hundred Bone Train was stationed at Red Fruit Slope!
****
At the same time, the noble army of Returning Bird Bay was assembled.
Jimite had just arrived. He pushed open the carriage door, stepped down, and stood atop a small hill, his military boots crunching in the snow.
The landscape is vast and empty; the migratory birds have all flown south in autumn, leaving behind a desolate valley that serves as an excellent battleground for their return.
On the slightly higher ground on both sides, a combat force of four thousand men has arrived from Black Territory and is searching for a place to encamp. Another six thousand men will arrive later today and tomorrow.
The two-and-a-half-day forced march caused the soldiers to complain, but since it was not a long time, their morale and fighting spirit remained relatively high.
The temporary command post was still being set up. Jimite organized the officers to spread out a topographical map in the open air and arrange various defense details.
In addition to the usual road-blocking trenches and traps, magic arrays should be set up in key areas. Artillery positions should be prepared in advance so that they can be deployed immediately when the artillery arrives the next day, saving a lot of time.
Although calculations indicated the White Bone Train wouldn't arrive until the 24th, two days later, Jimite believed that early preparation reduced the chances of unforeseen events.
The messenger ran swiftly to deliver the Shadow Corps Reconnaissance Report that the communications tower had just received to him.
Jimite was stunned when he saw the contents: the White Bone Train had actually stopped at Red Fruit Slope?
He looked at the map. Based on the White Bone Train's speed of 15 kilometers per hour, the other party should have arrived at Red Fruit Slope in the early hours of this morning, and has been staying there for more than three hours.
Logically, they should have been racing against time, since the shorter the time they had to wait for the enemy to intercept them, the greater their chances of breaking White Bone Train.
Has something gone wrong with the White Bone Train? Jimite wondered.
He carefully read the report. The Li team had set up defensive arrays and traps around the parking area, and also possessed powerful detection capabilities. Nearby reconnaissance personnel were heavily attacked by Katharine and the unicorns.
According to reports from the surviving survivors, the other side is still reinforcing the magic array. There are a large number of zombies on the hillside, building snow walls and constructing defensive fortifications.
The act of stationing troops is beyond doubt!
"Are they planning to engage the pursuing Shadow Corps head-on?" an officer whispered, speculating. "To wait for them to tire themselves out?"
This doesn't make sense. From the other side's perspective, the "White Graupel Cavalry" are an elite force, far superior in strength to the noble army.
A flock of sheep is much easier to deal with than a pack of wolves; any commander knows this. This is why Jimite went to such lengths.
The lack of quality among the noble soldiers was compensated for by means of advance deployment and multi-unit coordination.
"Could it be that they saw through the Shadow Corps's disguise?" the adjutant asked, his voice tense.
This is a big problem.
Throughout the entire operation, it was the Northern Lands nobles who carried out the actions. After the kidnapping failed, Katharine escaped. Jimite decisively ordered the Black Scatter Shadows to impersonate the White Graupel Cavalry and go to the "rescue."
This was not difficult; the Black Scatter Shadows were a shadow force they had secretly formed, modeled after the White Graupel Cavalry, and all their equipment was a high-quality replica.
With just a quick change of emblem, the deception can be flawlessly replicated.
The plan was to lure Katharine into a dispersed search, and sure enough, Katharine walked right into the trap, even encountering a unicorn to her delight. But who could have imagined that while the fish had taken the bait, a great white shark was following behind. It not only tore the bait to shreds but also snapped the fishing rod in two!
"No." Jimite shook his head, denying the staff officer's guess.
Black Scatter Shadow's disguise was flawless; he even arranged for people to impersonate General Price and Commander Emilio to command. The two expendable mages who were deliberately sent there truly did not know that they were collaborating with fake White Graupel Cavalry.
No matter what interrogation methods Katharine used, she couldn't find any flaws. Thus, they not only successfully obtained real-time data on the White Bone Train,
They also misled Katharine with information, pinning the blame on the Cold Mountain Royal Family.
Having commanded the noble army for many years, Jimite was accustomed to using various underhanded tactics before engaging in direct confrontation. He possessed absolute confidence in the realm of intrigue and scheming!
Even if this plan were to be exposed, Katharine would know that the Cold Mountain Royal Family was not involved. At that point, she should have rushed straight to Bubing City without stopping!
"The plan is sound!" Jimite re-examined the situation and concluded, "Perhaps the White Bone Train has malfunctioned and needs maintenance. Or, the enemy possesses assassins capable of subduing elite warriors and intends to turn their attention back to the White Graupel Cavalry!"
This is something we must be wary of.
"Order the Shadow Corps to halt immediately, construct a defensive line on the spot, and deploy for defense!" he commanded. "The White Bone Train's retreat must be completely blocked!"
The Black Scatter Shadows are still a day's journey from Red Fruit Slope. Although they are not as strong as the true White Graupel Cavalry, they are already the most elite fighting force of the noble army. While their offensive capabilities are lacking, they are quite confident in their defensive delaying tactics.
Most ingeniously, this unit is also equipped with large-caliber field artillery, something the regular White Graupel Cavalry lack. If they choose to hold their ground, the heavy infantry can join the battle with their heavy firepower. If the Li team were to launch a counterattack, this would be a huge surprise to the enemy!
"Chairman, should we also set off as soon as possible to complete the encirclement?" the adjutant asked urgently.
Jimite nodded in agreement. He quickly issued orders, forming his most elite troops into a vanguard regiment to lead the charge.
Travel light and quickly. The rest will form the second echelon, carrying supplies and departing a little later. A small number of personnel will join the follow-up heavy equipment and artillery units tomorrow and advance as the third echelon.
Considering the possibility that the White Bone Train might continue its journey this way, Jimite ordered his communications officer to relay the message to the Shadow Corps, instructing them to closely monitor the White Bone Train's movements and to arrange for mages to conduct aerial patrols covering the area around Red Fruit Slope, reporting any developments immediately.
Black Haze's command center quickly replied: Received and executed!
"We're also preparing to depart, following behind the second echelon," Jimite said to the officers.
On the hillside, the noble army troops that were originally to be stationed set off again. The soldiers grumbled and complained as they marched toward their new destination under the reprimands of their officers.
The assembled army broke up again into small groups, which then formed marching lines scattered across the vast snow-covered plains.
****
The next day at noon, Jimite studied the tracks of the White Bone Train and analyzed its driving habits. The White Bone Train would avoid the rugged sections of the track, constantly swerving by making small turns.
The Eagle Shadow Corps's report came again. The scouts who were lurking and approaching were attacked by Katharine and the Unicorn, and five of them were killed. The White Bone Train remained stationary, and apart from the zombies building fortifications, there was no further movement.
Jimite felt something was off. Even if there was a problem, he didn't think the White Bone Train needed to stop for so long, given that it had Ainz Ooal Bone King, a powerful mechanic. If they were to turn around and counterattack, the "White Graupel Cavalry" would be breaking through, and the movements of Liya and Bone King were clearly too slow.
This doesn't fit their style of doing things.
Inside the swaying carriage, the chairman pondered whether to arrange a probing attack.
A sudden commotion broke out outside, and a communications officer rushed over in a panic.
"Urgent message from the forward team: They've been verbally abused by the Bone King and Chestnut!"
"Huh!?"
Jimite glanced at the still-warm Shadow Corps report in his hand. It clearly stated that the White Bone Train was still at Red Fruit Slope, and that Katharine and the Unicorn had just killed their people—but he immediately realized, "Only Katharine and the Unicorn have been active so far, so it was Liya and Bone King who crossed the mountain!"
"They've separated?" The adjutant's face immediately lit up with joy. "The vanguard regiment has three thousand men; we'll wear them down!"
Liya possesses exceptional combat prowess, but her Magic Power is finite. Our side also boasts a considerable number of mages; by maintaining morale with substantial rewards, we can wear down these two with minimal cost!
Jimite slammed his fist against the wall of the carriage, the force so great that the carriage shook.
"The White Bone Train!" he gritted his teeth.
These two couldn't possibly have separated from the White Bone Train, so the answer is, "Red Fruit Slope was a decoy; they've already slipped away!" The chairman's face was extremely grim. The vanguard regiment had already engaged the enemy, and it was too late, but he still quickly issued an order, "Urgent message! Order the vanguard regiment to disperse and retreat!"
The communications officer accepted the order and left.
The adjutant was skeptical. "With so many people watching, how could the White Bone Train' possibly cross the Middle Ridge Mountain Range?"