Chapter 197.2. The Signal Of War Begins

“Large amounts of mana detected in the 9 o’clock direction!”
“[Noise] detected! Multiple enemy combat helicopters spotted!”
“Approximately 200 unknown individuals equipped with magic armor are approaching from behind the helicopters! We’re surrounded!”
With each incoming report, a sigh of frustration escapes.
“You idiot! Katou, you deceived us!”
“W-Well, I didn’t deceive anyone. I didn’t expect things to turn out like this!”
The deputy captain, visibly flustered, directs a gaze filled with murderous intent toward Karen, but she quickly waves her hands in defense, genuinely unaware.
There is no sign of deception in her demeanor. She truly didn’t know.
“W-Well, just the number of monsters alone is over 2,000. Beast-type creatures in the 3 o’clock direction and… undead reactions in the 9 o’clock direction!”
“Look at that, giants! There are three of them. They appear to be Hill Giants!”
As the soldier floating in the air urges us to look, the dense foliage obstructs our view completely.
However, I understand one thing.
“We’ve been set up, haven’t we?”
They have come here solely to kill us.
That’s not some ridiculous performance orchestrated by Count Outomo.
While I don’t know who, someone anticipated we would see through Count Outomo’s charade, so they prepared it secretly while making it appear like a farce.
Mii-chan admits she lets her guard down a bit, thinking it would follow the pattern of a novel. 
And even if things were slightly different, I believed that with Mii-chan’s power, we could easily defeat them.
But we fell into their trap. 
They have perfectly assembled a force that borders on overkill. 
Well done.
Let’s give them credit for their enemy’s brilliance.
I exhale and close my eyes, deep in thought.
The main story. So it’s the main story, huh?
“Well, let’s enjoy this battle then.”
Gripping my Poyopoyo Hammer, I slightly bend my knees and release a sharp breath.
No longer with the usual cute, wide-open eyes, my eyes shine fiercely with a fierce, ice-blue color, reminiscent of a predatory raptor.
Mii-chan mode is over. 
From here on out, it’s the turn of Takano Miu, who lives for battles, just like in a game.
“I’m going to test the power of this hammer!”
I step deeply with my right foot and twist my body. 
From toes to torso, and then to my arms, I transfer all my strength to the hammer I hold, swinging my Poyopoyo Hammer horizontally.
In response to Miu’s will, her Poyopoyo Hammer extends, made of light.
Flexing like a whip, it shatters the trees in its path.
The trees touched by the light hammer crumble like sand and flashes cut through their trunks like a straight line.
[Whirlwind Hammer]
As Miu mutters those words, it happens.
A pitch-black whirlwind swirls into existence, blowing away the surrounding trees from their roots like a volcanic eruption. 
The trees soar high into the air, falling like missiles in a distant location, creating explosions and clouds of dust.
And the surrounding forest that obstructed Miu and the others’ field of vision is now a clean, cultivated land extending several kilometers.
Clumps of soil are scattered as they fall onto the cleared land.
When she quickly bends her wrist, the light hammer shortens and returns to its original length.
It’s a convenient hammer in terms of power and range. 
If the handle is too long, enemies would easily dodge it, so I need to be careful during combat.
I shouldn’t waste time using the Legendary Diamond of Light! If I keep it stored away, a goddess might start studying the delicious ways to cook and eat the diamonds.
“This will do. Everyone, form a formation and prepare to intercept!”
As Miu chirped like chicks, the stunned onlookers quickly regained their composure upon seeing the landscape in front of them transform into a clear field.
“Yes, exactly. If we create a vast open space, it will be easier to respond to the enemy. Everyone, form a formation!”
The deputy squad leader gave the order, and the Royal Guards immediately took action. 
Truly worthy of being Royal Guards.
“We’ll also take a defensive position for an interception! This space is more than enough!”
“Yes, indeed. It’s time to use the new shields.”
Kongou-neesan and old man Martini also started moving, and Yamiyo’s guard showed determination as they raised their battle cries.
“Amazing, Mii-sama. Your coolness is so inspiring.”
“You turned it into an open space! The carpenter would be surprised!”
Yamiyo seemed deeply moved with excitement, and Tamamo chuckled mischievously. 
It probably wouldn’t be the carpenter, but rather the construction company that would be surprised.
Casting a sidelong glance at their exchange, I sent my thoughts.
[Frigg-neesan, provides support while remaining hidden. Shina and Yashibu eliminate the approaching enemy soldiers. Nimue, please handle the overall defense and interception.]
Miu never expected it to become this large-scale. 
I haven’t even called Odin or Freya. Of course, I’ve only summoned three out of the nine other Heroic Spirits.
Miu messed up. No, it’s a major failure.
Four holograms appeared in front of Miu, displaying the figures of a man and a woman.
[Understood, young lady.]
The freckled maid chuckled, transforming into a beautiful woman with golden hair.
[Got it. I’ll move to intercept with Shina right away. Yes.]
[Here, Shina… Clean up and go to bed immediately.]
The skinny bespectacled man wiped the sweat off his forehead with a handkerchief, and a sleepy-eyed girl with green hair covered in camouflage paint in twin tails raised her thumb.
[Roger that, master. Everything is under your command.]
Finally, Nimue showed a clear smile that was different from usual and gave her consent.
[Okay! Let’s start the battle.]
It’s a major failure. It certainly is.
But Miu’s instincts whispered to her.
Enjoy a never-before-seen main story.
It’s whispering from the depths of her soul.
[Let me show you which one of us is the hunter.]
In the face of an overwhelming number of enemies, Miu smirked and started the battle.