Chapter 97.1 - The Second Year at the Academy - Ranch Defense Battle (1)
We returned to the administration building and informed the director of our participation.
Knowing our status, there were no objections.
Instead, he suggested.
"If you'd like, we can negotiate an increase in the fee…"
Politely declining, we decided to move the conversation forward to avoid unnecessary complications.
Hashou tilted his head in confusion, but to avoid further inquiries, we quickly proceeded with the discussion.
In the reception room, with tea served by Dana, we listened to Hashou's investigation report.
As expected, the assailants were Dekrama.
Sheep remains were found in the forest, surrounded by numerous footprints and claw marks.
However, their number was at least ten or more, and Vero couldn't determine more precisely.
"Can we be shown around later? I'd like to see it too."
"Certainly. Is it okay, Leader?"
"Yeah, go ahead."
Sequeus replied and looked at everyone.
"Now, let me explain the situation again. We received the request two days ago. Since then, we've had night watches, leaving security during the morning to the guards. Originally, there were four guards, but now there are ten. However, they lack experience in monster combat due to their rotation with the city's guards. Don't think of them as a force equal to their numbers."
With us, there were nineteen in total.
Even if the guards were fewer in number, it was still a considerable force.
"The number has increased, but we won't change roles. We adventurers will handle the night watch. During the day, many people pass through the highway, and the grasslands have good visibility. They won't attack unless it's necessary to break through."
Sequeus paused, then turned his gaze to everyone as if questioning.
Ted immediately raised his hand.
"I understand the night watch part. But why haven't they attacked for 5 days?"
"They probably saw the guards. Before we arrived, they sent reinforcements, and strengthened the patrols."
"Then isn't it faster to go out and meet them? Dekurama is not good in the grasslands, and with more people around, they're less likely to attack right away."
"That's the last resort. Even if we find Dekurama in the forest, we can't determine if they are the culprits who attacked the ranch. It's impossible to exterminate all of them in the vast forest. Also, while Dekurama is not good in the grasslands, there's a reason they don't want to come out. It's because there's a human territory in the grasslands. Perhaps this group has recently arrived in Selen. They don't know that this is human-controlled territory and will face a strong counterattack. In any case, if they don't come, we'll head for extermination. We'll judge the timing based on the situation."
Ted, who accepted this, withdrew, and I was impressed.
Has Ted become this thoughtful?
It was a far cry from when he swung a stick around.
He had become a true adventurer.
"Um…"
This time, Nails raised his hand. Hashou's gaze focused on him, making him shrink, but with a nudge from Jema, he managed to speak.
"W-What about the escort for the people working?"
"What do you mean?"
"We go to the ranch every day, and I'm worried we might get attacked on the way…"
"I see, it's possible. Thanks for letting me know."
Praised by Sekies, Nails blushed.
The probability of being attacked by monsters near the city was quite low.
But considering the unusual situation, Nails' concern was not unfounded.
Sekies, stroking his chin, contemplated for a moment, then casually asked Ted and the others.
"How experienced are you in combat with Dekurama?"
"None. We've fought Goblins and Nudloks, and animals like wolves. I didn't feel like I could win against orcs."
"That's a correct judgment. Even if you have the skills, large monsters can be tough for young people like you. Recklessness is foolish."
Saying so, Sequeus smiled.
"Well, then. Let's leave the escort to Serade. I'll teach you how to fight Dekurama later. Can you do that?"
"Leave it to us."
Ted immediately agreed, and the others nodded vigorously.
After settling some details, Ted and the others stayed in the administration building to learn about Dekurama.
While I, guided by Vero, headed to the location where the sheep remains were found.
"They are promising youngsters, aren't they? Childhood friends?"
Shortly after entering the forest, Velott, who was leading the way, started a conversation.
"We met during the request. They said they were aspiring adventurers, so I gave them some advice. By the way, when did you come to Selen? I haven't seen you at the guild."
Hashou's combat ability was higher than Serps, who supervised outdoor exercises.
With that much skill, there should have been some recognition.
"That's right. I moved half a year ago, but I've been busy with escort requests, always away from Selen."
"Moving here seems pointless."
"Haha, if I refused escort requests, I couldn't make a living."
While turning his back, Velott laughed cheerfully.
It would be difficult for C-rank adventurers to survive on requests alone.
According to Vero, he was earning money through escort requests, improving his equipment, and trying to become acquainted with prominent individuals.
He was scheming to form an exclusive escort contract if possible.
It wouldn't be a scheme if he told someone else.
Continuing to chat cautiously, we soon arrived at the scene.
Vero pointed to the bushes.
"I might have overlooked it without this."
What gets entwined in the bushes is sheep wool covered in blood.
I bent down on the spot and began to observe the surroundings.
It's been quite washed away by yesterday's rain.
Bloodstains on the bark of a big tree—could that be the scene of the meal?
I jumped onto a nearby branch and surveyed the treetops. Dekurama's claws weren't sharp.
Despite that, there were claw marks all over the trees, and many broken branches and torn leaves were found.
It looked like a fight, but there was little bleeding, and there were no traces of other monsters.
Could it be a dispute over food?
I see.
Vero said there were at least 10.
And that might be the right expression.
There were too many marks to accurately estimate the number.
would have given the same answer.
I jumped down from the branch and apologized to Vero.
"Sorry, I came to the same conclusion. I caused you trouble."
"No, not at all."
"At the very least, they seem hungry enough to fight over prey, or there are more than a few that ten sheep won't satisfy."
"There's no hunger at this time of year."
"Indeed."
In response to my answer, Vero nodded deeply.
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