This Is What a Tank Is

[…G-gun, barrel alignment complete! Firing angle secured!]

"Fire."

BOOM—!

The blast shook the forest. Flames belching from the muzzle instantly scorched the surrounding leaves.

"Ugh…!"

The infantry in the half-track armored vehicle following directly behind the tank hurriedly ducked their heads into the cargo compartment, while leaves shaken loose by the shock wave came raining down over them. Some had caught fire, but fortunately, the Ashen Forest's characteristic dampness kept the flames from spreading.

Whoosh—!

Then a heavy high-explosive shell tore through the forest.

For a moment, it slid along the single line of fire—no wider than a needle's eye—between the densely packed trees.

Kra-boom...