Apocalypse Dark Elf Style -Magical Tribes Reincarnated in the Modern World

And then after a few minutes.

“Coordinates acquired. Everybody split up and try to search the area.”

After quickly deciding the area to be covered, I gave the coordinates to each of them. The usual procedure was to find the reaction of the dummy target set up by the instructors somewhere. However, if we always do the same thing, what was the point of field training? There was more than enough possibility that some sudden accident would occur and we would be asked to deal with it flexibly.

Now then, let’s see what will happen. Will we not be able to find the fake reaction and be asked to expand the area for additional explorations? Perhaps two at a time will be found. Or maybe there were civilians in the area of operations, and their rescue and evacuation would be prioritized…

I focused wholeheartedly on this training exercises.

It was easier that way. I could just wait for her to pick me up without having to look at the failure of my logic, without having to think about the possibility that it was only a pipe dream.

In fact, I was sure. I’m sure of it. I’m sure of it myself… I should go about my school life as usual. So without thinking, without worrying, I just need to do what I had to do…

That’s when the alarm sounded. Not the grating kind that indicates a malfunction. It was a response that the target had been found. This was not surprising, since they had been looking for it. … But still, it was strange.

Rensuke squinted at the data that was coming in. It was too elaborate to be used for training.

『Fuck. You guys should be happy. We had to coordinate with all the authorities and supervise the entire operation. In other words – we found a real radiant beast just in time. We will now commence a temporary response by semi-qualified personnel in accordance with Article 3 of the Radiant Beast Control Act.』

『We did it!　I’ve heard about this, but it really does happen, doesn’t it Sensei?』

『A couple times a year. For the record, there’s basically nothing for you guys to actually handle, so don’t get too excited. All you have to do is gather information, provide indirect support, and ─ watch and learn.』

『Ehh, we can’t fight? Definitely?』

『Once we’ve assessed the size and threat, well, if we can talk to HQ and get their approval… there may be something you can do under the supervision of the Knights and us.』

Whew!　The instructor on the other end of the communicator tightened her tone as the platoon member whistled.

『Anyway!　You guys stay on standby until we get there, and don’t do anything. The real battle will begin when the Iron Knights of Shinjin arrive!』

This was an unexpected turn of events, but I guess it was more of an unexpected blessing in disguise. As a student aiming to become a knight, experiencing the atmosphere of a real battle is the best way to gain experience.

For the time being, we can stay on standby and follow the instructions of the adults when they are ready. There is no problem.

I sighed and loosened the power of the hand that grasped the main control rod.

─ At that moment.

A high-pitched alarm, incomparable to the previous one, dominates the body space of the body seat

At the same time, I felt my whole body being caught in the gravitational yoke. The visibility window in front of us and the sub-optical monitor all showed a sudden change in color. From blue to green. In other words, from the sky to the color of a forest.

『What’s going on?　Asakura, why are you lowering your altitude!?』

“… Red alert, red alert!　EF jets are dropping power. We can’t maintain altitude!　Error code NE37281, repeat, error code NE37281!”

I spoke back quickly. This is a genuine anomaly. I’m losing flight control.

『《Critical performance failure due to physical damage to internal mechanism》?　It’s impossible, we and the maintenance team have done our final checks!　The error code should not have appeared unless the parts had deteriorated over time and fallen apart in just a few minutes like this!』

“I can’t believe it either, but it’s there!　There’s no mistaking it!”

“Permission granted to use emergency parachute!”

“Roger that──”

I took off the safety lock and pressed the button that I thought I would never use. But…

“No, it won’t open!”

『Don’t kid with me, mechanics squad!　Damn it, I don’t care what you do, just hold on!』

I operated it with all my strength to the point where I felt like I was falling and floating. Even if I had the strength to pull it off, it would be useless if the machine that links to it was broken. I also tried software solutions, but with no success.

The jet was quickly losing its capabilities. As if in inverse proportion to this, the clutches of primordial gravity grow stronger. The mountain below is getting closer and closer, the falling weight bearing down on the Iron Knight.

『Don’t give up!　At least make a crash landing, you can do it!　Don’t worry about what’s down there at this point!』

As a teacher, she disregarded the operational principle that secondary damage must be avoided as much as possible. She was supposed to be a professional, but what she came down to was the mentality of “don’t give up” and “you can do it.

In other words.

It all comes down to a vague prayer for a successful outcome.

Right now, we have no choice but to…

(Dammmmmmmn itttttt!)

My pores open with disgusting sweat gushing out.

─『Alert: Automatic activation of flight unit failed due to safety issue.』

─『Alert: Automatic activation of flight unit failed due to safety issue. Manual recovery recommended.』

─『Alert: The altitude loss rate exceeds the safety standard』

─『Alert:The altitude drop rate does not meet safety standards』

─『Alert:The aircraft may be on an unsafe trajectory and is in violation of the law』

──『Alert』『Alert』『Alert』『Alert』──

The deafening sound of the alerts continued to increase. It becomes an even greater multiplicity, reverberating in my ears. There was no time to pay attention to the calls of the platoon members mixed in there.

Aah, what I want to hear most now is another voice. No… even if it’s not now, I want to hear her voice. I have to definitely listen to it. Her voice, not theirs. Her covetousness is a pleasant chuckle. A smug look of satisfaction on her face. It can’t end like this, I won’t end like this. Again. Even though I don’t know if I’m alive or dead, I still want to try one more time.

I opened my eyes and desperately searched for something. Anything. Something that would make me out of here.

──Altitude 150 meters.

──Altitude 120 meters.

I remembered the emergency manual from my memory. 『If you have to make an emergency landing, give priority to oceans, lakes, and rivers to avoid further damage──』. If such a thing were conveniently available, I would have no trouble. What’s the next option?　If I remember is it an open space like a plaza?

I forced myself to control the RV’s stance and keep the angle of fall as shallow as possible. I aimed for a place where the trees were growing densely. At least use it as a buffer.

But the Iron Knight would not comply. I wonder if it’s gotten so out of control that I can’t even force it. Please. Iron Knight. My other self. Please, just a move a little more. I call out as if it were a living being. I, a non-living being, call out to you. A lifeless doll in the shape of a human being. It may be made of wood or iron, but I suppose it’s similar. The thoughts that deviate are incoherent prayers. Please listen to me for the sake of our kind. Please, help me, please.

─Altitude 100 meters.

─Altitude 70 meters.

In the midst of a desperate situation, I felt a slight response emerging. In fact, it might be a delusion, as I grasped for it after a delusional prayer. I had a momentary sensation as if I were merging with the iron armor. I don’t have time to look at my hand, but because of this, I get a strange response as if the hand holding the rod and the the rod itself are one. With that strange sense of unity, I adjusted the balance of the iron knight to the desired location – turn – please – turn!

─Altitude 50 meters.

─Altitude 30 meters─

The trees in my field of vision grew in size like that in a video game. What used to be miniature in size is now right in front of me. My extreme state of consciousness increases the frequency of my brain’s built-in clock, and the world slows down.

I can see each branch swaying and each leaf fluttering in my mind’s eye. I could see each leaf swaying in the branches, each leaf fluttering in the wind, and I could even see a ladybug attached to one of them.

The next moment.

As if the world itself had been twisted, a multi-layered roaring sound and impact pierced the body seat…

It easily mowed down my consciousness.