Chapter 97.4 - The Second Year at the Academy - Ranch Defense Battle (4)
The shepherds did not openly resist.
There seemed to be opinions like, "Can't we at least let them die?" but if they died, the attraction would weaken.
It was pitiful, but they had no choice but to become sacrifices.
While the shepherds prepared to select and move the livestock that would serve as decoys.
We headed to a certain place under the guidance of the head of the venue.
It was a massive building located beyond the management shed and livestock barns.
Even though the plan was set, there was still a problem.
Where would we wait? In the previous attack, there were four of us.
But this time there were nineteen, making our presence much more noticeable.
The likelihood of encountering Dekrama was high, and it wouldn't be surprising if individuals capable of using "[Presence Detection]" were hidden among them.
At that moment, the venue head suggested a peculiar place: the dung heap.
There was tremendous opposition from the security, but it wasn't like we were going to soak in it.
Not knowing what was so objectionable, we decided to take a look.
Upon opening the heavy door, a pungent smell leaked through the slight gap, causing everyone to wrinkle their noses.
Even Amber and Elliot swiftly ran away.
"Indeed, this is intense."
I said, covering my nose and peering into the dung heap.
It was spacious enough to accommodate a small one-story house, with a high ceiling.
Large dividers were evenly arranged, and something got piled up on them.
There was no need to imagine what it was.
Upon entering, tears welled up from the stimulation and dust.
It was undoubtedly harsh, but if this kept Dekrama away and was far from the livestock barn.
It would be outside the range of "[Presence Detection]" for all but high-ranking individuals.
It seemed like an ideal waiting place.
That was what I thought, but even Sekies and the others didn't approach. Only Vero frowned, inspecting the interior.
"Is there [Mental Resistance]?"
Vero was also a holder of [Mental Resistance 3].
The remaining factor was familiarity.
Not all workers were skill holders.
The smell could be gotten used to.
In fact, Ted, born in a rural area, peered inside reluctantly.
"It's an amazing place, isn't it? There's no other dung heap like this. Most of what's processed here is human feces."
The venue head spoke from outside, his voice sounding somewhat triumphant.
Proposing the dung heap might have been a form of retaliation. It was more of a relief, though.
"Isn't it livestock feces? If it's human feces, isn't it quite a lot for the facility?"
"By the council's instructions, we keep the processing to a minimum. It's not a recent development; the dung heap has been here since the time of Lord Rurukto, six hundred years ago."
I tilted my head at the venue head's response.
Selene imported food from places like Count Firsach's territory.
It was strange to refrain from making compost when there was a shortage.
Come to think of it, this area was also not cultivated.
After some thought, I came up with an idea.
Could it be the collars?
Even if Alphas were gone, Selen's military strength was formidable. Therefore, they might have deliberately imported food.
Perhaps it was for the pose Selene was supported by the neighboring lords.
Not building a village might be the reason.
If everything was calculated, Lord Rurukto was clever.
The large dung heap was built in preparation for times of war.
The era of Alphas had been turbulent for over a hundred years, and they were considering long-term self-sufficiency.
Of course, it was impossible to cover Selene's food needs with this alone. It was just insurance, a way to buy time.
Or perhaps it was a reminder to the council not to neglect their preparations.
"You're surprisingly okay with this."
Seques, standing at a distance, muttered.
"What do you mean okay? We're spending the attack here. What's the use of complaining now?"
"Just wait a moment. In a place like this—"
While saying that, Ambel took a step forward but retreated, affected by the smell of the dung heap.
"—even the management shed should be fine. If we close it, Declaras probably won't notice."
"Probably won't, not definitely. Here, even Nudorok wouldn't be able to detect it. It's the perfect waiting place. Well, I'm not the one deciding. I'll leave it to you."
The one who made up his mind at my words was Serade.
Covering his mouth tightly, he entered the dung heap one by one.
By the way, dinner was yet to be served, and various preparations were not yet complete.
He seemed to put his body on the line to show his agreement.
Seeing the children shedding tears and holding back coughs, Hashou fell silent.
In the end, persuaded by Sekies and Vero, Amber also accepted.
The security personnel staunchly refused, but Sekies, looking at them, said, "If you abandon your duties, do as you like. I'll report it to the council through the guild," and left them with a glare filled with hatred. They reluctantly agreed.
If the attack didn't come—there might be a fight among ourselves.
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