Chapter 964 (1/2)
Chapter 964: Birth
Translator: TransN Editor: TransN
According to Sylvie’s observations, the reconnaissance team of the demons was usually made up of two Mad Demons and three Devilbeasts. They would patrol a set region back and forth at fixed intervals to cover a broad surveillance area with overlapping regions between the teams. It was like the “Wall of Eagles” in modern times.
Owing to the excellent field of vision of the flying demons, if the First Army were to enter the detection area, they would instantly be discovered. Roland intended to create a no-fly zone in the air, a blind zone of vision for the demons.
It was certain that there was neither any kind of radar system nor any instantaneous long-distance communication technology for the Mad Demons. As long as they did not blow the horn, the disappearance of a patrol team would not draw any attention. The Devilbeasts that were responsible for delivering the Red Mist cans could enhance the patrol range of the team, but this increased range would also delay the feedback of information. It was possible that the enemies would not notice the death of the Devilbeasts until the time they were supposed to return to their nests in the evening.
Even then, it would not be easy for the demons to locate the attacker immediately as the sniper team would attack from outside of their range of vision, not to mention that the patrol teams could not act at night, while the First Army could. As long as the blind zone in their surveillance network was reasonably arranged, it would gain time for the First Army and weaken the opponents’ mobility.
Roland did not expect this strategy to completely block the opponents, but even a delay of two or three days would be a great help to the army. After all, the sooner they arrived at the shelling site, the greater the chance they would have.
The anti-Devilbeast sniper rifle was the product which would realize this hope.
In fact, it could barely still be called a gun. To ensure the long-range lethality and ballistic stability, its caliber was set at 20 millimeters, which was the demarcation point between a gun and a cannon.
As for why it was not designed to be larger, it was because Andrea’s ability had a distinctive feature—it needed to be held and fired by hand. This point had been tested during the artillery training. Once she let go of the barrel, even if she gave oral instructions, the soldiers could still not adjust to operating the weapon.
What about opening fire in spite of the recoil of the cannon?
Tilly would be furious!
It was too awkward to call it a sniper cannon, so Roland decided to keep calling it a gun.
The new weapon itself did not employ much new technology. Its structure was much simpler than the Mark I type HMG, with an air guide backseat, semi-automatic shooting, bullet clip… The only extra part was a muzzle brake that was used to reduce the recoil, which had already been applied in the main artillery of the shallow water gunboats.
It only took two days to make it.
One and a half days were spent just on selecting the materials and post-processing.
Lucia created the alloy, Anna shaped it, Candle consolidated the shape and then Doris demonified it… This weapon was created together by several witches and could be regarded as a legendary product. In addition to its materials and processing technique, the gun barrel would not be deformed even under high-temperature gas and enormous pressure, which was also a key factor to ensure continuous and accurate shooting.
“Is this a sniper rifle?” Andrea looked at it for a moment and noticed something unusual. “Where is its aiming scope?”
“It doesn’t have one,” Roland shrugged and said.
“Doesn’t have one?” She was stunned, “I can’t hit a target I can’t see.”
“An ordinary scope wouldn’t help with the range we want, so three more people are here to help you,” said Roland, looking at Sylvie, Spear, and Camilla who were standing by his side.
“Do you mean… to let Ms. Camilla connect me with Sylvie to aim, and have Countess Spear take charge of replenishing our magic power?” Andrea finally understood what Maggie’s words “They’re waiting for you” meant.
“Although I don’t want to leave Fallen Dragon Ridge at all… ah, a-choo… Since Your Majesty was so kind to send an invitation to me, I can’t say no.” Countess Spear said with pretend reluctance, “But next time I wish to be informed earlier rather than let Miss Maggie bring me here by flight. I’m old and not strong enough. I’m still sick because of the cold wind.”
Roland silently rolled his eyes. She had already drunk Lily’s Cleansing Water and asked for the next batch of students trained by City Hall, but she behaved as if it was unpaid labor. After all, she had been an experienced politician for many years, and she was used to complaining about being hard up.
Camilla’s response was much simpler, “Her Highness hopes for me to do my best.”
“But I’m not sure if my ability will still be effective under the Eye of Magic.” Andrea had never considered a similar issue before because the range of stones and bows was much lower than the limit of her visual range.
“So it’s necessary to test it,” said Roland. “Then… let’s start.”
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Carter Lannis nervously paced back and forth outside the bedroom.
There were few days in his life where he had felt so disturbed.