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Tetsu no Chikara: Saigo no Kibo
Chapter 32: Reclaiming Mineford!

Chapter 32: Reclaiming Mineford!

The scene changes to a closed room.

“Good morning, sleeping beauty!” said Takemichi, sitting in a chair, watching Kay.

“What do you want?” asked Kay, taking a cup of coffee to her mouth, trying to wake herself up.

“I asked you to stay here at the base and stay away from trouble, didn’t I? So why did you go to another wall?” exclaimed Takemichi, with a disapproving look.

“I don’t know... I was just venting my anger, but I don’t even know why I got so angry! By the way, shouldn’t you be with Rem?” asked Kay.

“Yeah, I was happy to finally be back home, but thanks to you, now I’m going to be without a break for a long time!” said Takemichi, sighing.

“How annoying... Rem is going to be mad at me. My bad for acting without thinking!” said Kay, with an air of regret.

“At least it looks like you’re sorry!” The situation is as follows: we're going to accompany the Imperial Army and the Research Institute to Mineford. They're going to implement the security system we have on this wall. It's nothing miraculous, but it helps. We're going to have to take care of both walls. And if anyone asks you, it was our entire division that reclaimed that kingdom, you understand?" Takemichi explained.

"Getting a medal was already enough of a stunner. I'm not interested in recognition, so you can pass the credit to the division," Kay replied.

"I didn't take the day off yesterday, so keep that in mind if anyone asks where I was!" Takemichi said, with a mischievous smile.

Kay looked around and frowned. "Now that you mention it, what's this little room?" she asked.

"Your new room. You'll be staying here for a few days!" Takemichi replied.

— I don't think there's room for a bed here — Kay commented, examining the small space.

“It's not supposed to fit. You looked pretty comfortable sleeping on that little rug there!” Takemichi said, with a slight smile.

“I see... Where's Mira?” Kay asked, raising an eyebrow.

“She's mad at you. So, for a few days, you'll be alone here. Enjoy it!” Takemichi replied, leaving with the chair and locking the door, leaving Kay inside.

“At least take the suit, it stinks!” Kay said.

Takemichi didn't answer and just walked away.

Kay took off the suit and left it in the corner of the room.

“Damn you... you were absorbing nutrients from the other ghouls while I was sleeping. You acted without permission, you'll pay for that!” Kay grumbled, giving the suit an irritated look.

He then lay down on the rug and stayed there, thoughtful.

In the courtyard, the sixth division was gathered, with their weapons and suits ready. Helicopters landed outside the base, and the gate opened, allowing soldiers, scientists, and construction mechanics to enter. Takemichi and the other leaders went to meet them.

“Second mission in a week. Are you finally taking action?” exclaimed the head of the imperial guard.

“It was a lot of work for my division, but we managed to return without significant damage! I am blessed with good soldiers!” said Takemichi.

“Without significant damage? It seems to me that you suffered no damage at all!” replied the head of the guard, observing the soldiers.

“Glory days after several years of fighting!” commented Takemichi proudly.

“We are going to install the new anti-aircraft guns on the walls of Mineford. I will need your soldiers to make the daily rounds there,” informed the head of the imperial guard.

“I figured that would be the case, but I don’t want to overburden my soldiers,” replied Takemichi.

“Of course, our team will be with you. After all, it is a restored kingdom; we need to restore it to the point where it is habitable again.

— We'll keep you safe while you're there. Then we can discuss how many soldiers will be needed to keep watch. — Takemichi said.

— This time, you can expect a handsome reward from the kingdom. It's going to be a lot of work in the next few days! — commented the head of the guard, letting out a sigh.

— I thought the same! But it's a necessary effort for the advancement of humanity. — replied Takemichi.

— Indeed. So, let's not waste time here talking! — said the head of the guard.

— We'll escort you from the front and back. Follow my people! — ordered Takemichi.

— Let's get on with it! — replied the head of the guard.

Takemichi boarded the first helicopter, along with Joana and some soldiers from her squad. Next came an imperial guard helicopter, followed by the scientists and mechanics. Soon after, another imperial guard helicopter, with two more from the army closing the formation.

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The convoy of helicopters advanced in formation, flying over the desolate expanse that led to Mineford.

Inside the helicopter, Takemichi reviewed the plan with the other soldiers:

"As soon as we arrive, the engineering personnel will disembark and begin installing anti-aircraft weapons on the walls. Our priority is to secure the perimeter to prevent further surprise attacks by ghouls. The scientists will need protection while they study the ghoul residue in the surrounding area." He paused, observing every face around him. "That means all of you must be on high alert. Although it is now difficult for the ghouls to approach the wall, there may still be some alive hidden inside."

Joana nodded, keeping her gaze steady.

The helicopter in front, where Takemichi was, was approaching the landing point when the radio crackled, the voice of the head of the imperial guard echoing:

— Arrival expected in five minutes. Be ready for rapid disembarkation. We have a planned security route, but we cannot predict if there will be movement of ghouls in the surroundings. All personnel, prepare yourselves!

As soon as the soldiers left the helicopters, they immediately positioned themselves. Joana and her men took the lead, creating a line of defense while the engineers and scientists organized themselves with their equipment. It was meticulous and precise work, but everyone knew that every minute counted.

Takemichi approached the engineers and discussed the installation of the anti-aircraft weapons:

— We need full coverage on the walls and ensure that the range is sufficient to prevent any invasion. Do you have the perimeter diagram?

— Yes, Captain! — replied one of the engineers, pointing to the map. — We will start the installation in the most vulnerable areas and advance to the highest points. We'll be ready in a few hours

"Joana!" Takemichi called, turning to her. "Organize the patrol and assign a team to secure these points while the installation takes place. We won't leave any room for error." She nodded and began giving orders, the soldiers quickly moving to carry out the instructions.

While the engineers and soldiers waited at the top of the wall, at the points where the weapons would be installed, the trucks carrying them arrived at the entrance to the Mineford wall.

The trucks, sturdy and adorned with the research institute's emblem, stopped apart from each other in front of the wall. A group of soldiers and mechanics approached to help hoist the weapons. Each of them was an imposing structure, built to withstand the weight and force necessary to stop an invasion of ghouls.

The engineers and mechanics worked at a fast pace, adjusting the rigging devices and preparing the weapons for hoisting. The helicopters, ready for takeoff, awaited instructions.

The Imperial Guards oversaw the operation as the helicopter pilots took up positions. The engines roared, and the tension in the air was palpable. One of the guards signaled for the helicopter to ascend.

The helicopters began to take off, their rotors spinning rapidly as they made their way to the top of the wall. One by one, the weapons were hoisted and positioned with precision, with the help of the engineers already waiting above.

As soon as the first weapon was placed on top, the engineers began to make the necessary adjustments. The structure was large, with seats for the operators who would control both the rotation and the aiming.

As more helicopters brought in the subsequent weapons, the wall began to transform into an armed fortress. The sound of the rotors filled the air as the team worked together, adrenaline pumping through each of them.

“We’re almost there!” Takemichi said, watching the operation from a vantage point, his mind already calculating the next steps. — If we can get all the weapons in place before nightfall, we’ll have a chance to defend Mineford properly.

The helicopters continued to operate, bringing in the last load while the team picked up the pace. With each weapon that reached the top of the wall, the soldiers’ determination grew. Meanwhile, the trucks carrying the bodies of the ghouls, internally refrigerated to keep the corpses in proper condition, arrived at the research institute’s yards.

The scene changed.

— It’s been five hours... I wonder how things are going over there? — Fernanda exclaimed, in her office surrounded by screens and scientists watching them.

— At least it doesn’t look like they’re fighting; all the statistics are normal — said one of the scientists.

— It only took him an hour to start sleeping! He was really bored! — Fernanda commented, looking at Kay through a screen.

— Variations detected in some soldiers! — announced another scientist.

— Update me on the operation! — Fernanda asked over the radio.

— Weapons installed; we are conducting firing tests! — Joana reported over the radio.

— They did it! — celebrated the team of scientists.

— Good job! — Fernanda replied, with a smile on her face.

— Thank you! — Joana said, and then headed to a room, returning carrying a dark bag.

The scientists looked confused as she took off the bag and revealed a bottle of champagne.

— Mineford is ours! — she celebrated, popping the cork.

— Madam, where did you get that bottle? — exclaimed one of the scientists, surprised.

— At the king's banquet! Let's toast! — Joana said happily.

Joy filled the room as Joana raised the bottle of champagne, the sunlight reflecting on the walls of the room. The scientists exchanged surprised glances, but soon the excitement spread to everyone.

Fernanda smiled, watching the team, but her mind was racing. The operation had gone well so far, but we can't relax. The real work is yet to come.

“Let’s toast, but be careful!” she said, raising her hand. “We need to stay focused; after all, we still have a lot to do.”

“Mineford is ours!” Joana shouted again, as the others raised their glasses in a toast. Enthusiasm filled the room, and the tension that had built up over the last few hours seemed to melt away, even if only temporarily.

Back at the wall, Takemichi and his team were finishing the firing tests of the newly installed weapons.

“They’re working perfectly!” shouted one of the engineers, with a smile of satisfaction. “We’re ready for defense!”

“That’s great!” replied Takemichi, realizing the importance of the moment.

The soldiers kept watch. The helicopters took the rest of the weapons to the front of the wall. When everyone landed, their fatigue was evident, but joy was also spreading among them.

“Let’s keep it safe here! Mineford is ours, my friend!” — said the head of the imperial guard, hugging Takemichi.

— I'm not a big fan of hugs, except for the ones from my wife, so don't do that anymore! — replied Takemichi, with a half smile, trying to hide his slight irritation.

— You're still antisocial, huh? Even at a time like this! It's a time for joy! This will spread like wildfire to the other kingdoms. It's another step forward for us! — commented the head of the guard, excited.

— The second and fourth divisions have already recovered a lost kingdom. The first division has already recovered two lost kingdoms. We're still behind! — reminded Takemichi, with a determined tone.

— Does it matter? It's a victory for humanity! — replied the head of the guard, smiling.

Coming from you, who always compare us to other divisions, thought Takemichi, but in any case, it's a victory!

— The electrical system here needs to be restored. Tonight, your soldiers will be without power. It's best for everyone to return and start their surveillance tomorrow! — said one of the engineers.

— Tomorrow morning, my people will come first, right after breakfast. If there are any ghouls here, we will eliminate them! I will call you! — said Takemichi, determined.

— Fair enough! It is a victory, friend! A victory for Valtreon! — repeated the imperial guard, unable to contain his joy.

With that, they got into the helicopters and vehicles and returned home.