[Strike Witches] Witches of Aurora Novel Adaptation

The Witches and the Challenge

(Adapted from the chapters Invasion and Ace, from the manga series Witches of Aurora by Kyogoku Shin.)

Suomus' summer ended very soon. The scenery of a lengthy winter rolled in again. During this period, the Neuroi never stopped attacking, but it was all random, minor invasions. Thanks to that, people in Suomus got to enjoy a short time of peace.

One day during a patrol duty, Eila and Nipa spotted an unusually massive Neuroi. It was in the shape of a waterwheel, taller than a man, surrounded by countless small-types which looked like escorts or scouts.

Commander Luukkanen immediately called an emergency meeting.

"The report says we have a large-type Neuroi invading and it is heading straight for the capital. We have to intercept immediately," Luukkanen said with all seriousness on her face as she pointed at the image of the massive waterwheel-shaped Neuroi projected on the screen behind her. "The shape and size are unusual, but that's not all."

"Even though Suomus is small and fragile, the terrain gives us an advantage until now. The Neuroi don't like to traverse forests and lakes, so this large one is paving a path for lots of smaller units. On top of that, it's heading for urban areas and using metal from the earth to form new units. The further it goes, the more it deploys. It's like a mobile fortress and it's moving quickly. I heard an advanced unit was annihilated when they were trying to stop it. By all means necessary, we must prevent it from reaching the capital!"

Every witch's face fell. They all realized the gravity of the situation.

The enemy were out in force, so the first job needed to be done was to mop up the escorts, which was assigned to Commander Luukkanen, Laura and Aurora. Next, Eila, Nipa and Hasse were to shoot the big water wheel.

"It all depends on us if Illu's group can make it," said Luukkanen to Laura when heading to their designated area.

"Although it's our job to stop them, we feel like sitting ducks right now! It's really making me nervous!" complained Eila, who was standing by above the enemy's route, alongside Nipa and Hasse.

"Hey, our job is very important too!" Hasse tried to appease Eila's anxious mind.

"That's right! We have to give it our all!" Nipa added.

Eila fell into an abrupt silence.

"What is it now, Illu?"

Eila assumed a look of surprise and covered her mouth theatrically, "To think hothead Nipa could say something like that! Are you ill?"

"Wow! You can be really rude sometimes! You know that?"

"Nipa, you've grown up!"

"Don't talk to my chest!"

The bickering between Eila and Nipa put a smile on Hasse's face. To her, nothing was more heartening than seeing her comrades get along and be each other's backup.