Chapter 96.4 - The Second Year at the Academy - Attacker on the Ranch (4)
Sekies had a smiling face, but his eyes shook with discomfort deep within.
Whether there were circumstances on our side or if they were children, being told to entrust the request to lower-ranking adventurers was irritating. In the world of adventurers, strength—rank—is everything.
I shook my head as if to calm things down.
"No, that's not it. Can you put them under your command? Of course, no reward is necessary. The safety of the ranch is the greatest reward. Are you all right with that?"
In response to my words, Ted and the others nodded in unison.
On the other hand, Sekies, though the displeasure had disappeared, didn't show a positive reaction.
After looking at Ted and the others, he focused on me.
"What about you, D-rank?"
"I have plans. I can stay until the fourth day from today. After that, it will be from afternoon until dawn. Is that acceptable? Even so, would you like to be under the command of Smash Break?"
Before becoming an adventurer, I was a student at the academy.
Neglecting my studies would be counterproductive.
Moreover, the first-term outdoor exercise is coming up in half a month, and if this drags on too long, Ted and the others will be in trouble.
Regardless of what Smash Break decides, if it drags on, I intend to settle it forcibly.
Come to think of it, what will Elliot do?
I'll ask him later.
Sekies turned his gaze to his companions.
The priest Ambel tilted her head, and the light warrior Varner shrugged.
It seemed they were leaving it to their leader, Sekies.
In the meantime, the scout Velotte stepped forward.
"May I ask a question?"
When I agreed, Velotte began his question.
"Tenko-san, are you solo?"
"Yes, but…"
"Could you tell me your specialty? It doesn't matter the extent you can talk about it."
Saying that Velotte directed a gentle gaze towards me.
Unlike Sekies, there was no sign of emotional fluctuation.
Similar to Danil, perhaps.
Skilled in negotiation, but emotions unreadable.
But even without reading emotions, I understood what he wanted to ask. I subtly turned my eyes to [Appraisal].
Although he claimed to be a scout, all those skills were mostly at level 1 or 2. From having [Alchemy 2], he was probably a former alchemist.
As he continued with collecting, he acquired scout skills.
Most likely, that was his background.
[Pain Resistance 4] told the story of a turbulent life.
But in any case, at C-rank, he was considerably lower, lacking in ability. Support and negotiation with potions were probably his original roles.
"If the question is whether I can scout—yes, I can. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to go solo."
To my answer, Velotte showed a slightly surprised expression and smiled satisfactorily.
"Leader, I agree to their participation."
"Wait, do you believe what he just said?"
Sekies raised a question, looking at me.
"Don't take offense. Your weapon doesn't suit you. A proper scout would choose a weapon that's easy to move with. I doubt you can scout with that."
Did he think I was using the Shamshir because I wanted to?
Normally, at 11 years old, aiming for [Sword Flash] or [Sword Dance] would be unthinkable.
Klaus, who saw through it easily, was strange.
Well, it's easy to argue, but I don't really want to be under someone's command.
I proposed a cooperative choice that could accommodate Ted and the others' feelings and suggested it nonchalantly.
Besides, Smash Break is excellent.
Despite the different directions, they are similar to the Axe of Destruction when I first met them.
They can handle most monsters, and Dekrama is not an enemy.
However, cooperating with higher-ranked adventurers would be a good experience for Ted and the others—[Serade].
Being known in C-rank alone would be beneficial. Shall we cooperate here?
"Weapon and the skill of a scout are unrelated. Besides, isn't the attacker likely to be Dekrama?"
"Oh? Why do you think so?"
Sekies wasn't surprised.
In addition to the director's story, the attacker avoided attacking humans and escaped.
Evidence of a weak monster.
Experienced adventurers would reach the same conclusion.
I walked the ranch in silence and pointed to one spot.
Everyone looked at the ground, but just shook their heads instead of understanding.
Only one person, Vero, a scout in name only, noticed.
He hurriedly crouched down and began to examine the ground.
"This is… a thumbprint. Probably from the right foot."
"Really? I have no idea."
"It's almost fading away. I'm surprised. Tenko-san's exploration ability is much better than mine."
At Vero's words, Smash Break growled, and Ted and the others looked proud. Well, it's not the time to be proud.
It's a problem if no one notices.
Maybe I should teach scouting skills to Nails and the others, or find out who has talent.
Suddenly, the gaze of Sekies and the others changed as they looked at me.
To become a D-rank solo, extraordinary combat power or exploration ability is required.
So Vero speculated that I had scouting skills.
Still, he probably thought it was around level 2 or 3.
Currently, I'm at [Tracking 4], trying to catch up with Ose when I first met him.
By the way, the guy at the time was [Tracking 7].
Even if I tried to catch up, he was further away.
"You found it well."
"Is it true?"
"Rather than that, did I pass?"
In response to my question, Vero and the others nodded.
Sekies also nodded once and extended his hand.
"Let's borrow your strength. Tenko, [Serade]'."
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