Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World

Chapter 97.5 - The Second Year at the Academy - Ranch Defense Battle (5)

I focus my gaze on the darkness, straining my eyes to see if anyone is approaching.

For now, I can't spot a single small shadow in the pasture.

Exhaling through the cloth covering my face, I remain vigilant.

In one of the livestock sheds, two cows and three sheep are confined.

It's not an exaggeration; they are genuinely locked up.

To prevent them from being immediately killed and carried away after being placed in the shed.

We hastily constructed four small huts inside and put cows and sheep in each.

Even if someone breaks into the livestock shed, they can't attack the livestock without destroying the huts.

With that amount of time, most Declama would likely infiltrate the shed.

"Shall we switch?"

Vero calls out.

It's been three hours since I started keeping watch.

"It's okay. Rest."

I said that, but Vero didn't move.

When I asked with a sidelong glance, he smiled shyly.

"Actually, I'm not good at combat."

"Is that so? You're at Rank C, right?"

"Just the rank."

He seems nervous.

Indeed, his only combat-related skill is [Dagger 1]. Quite weak.

He might even lose to Declama if he's not careful.

"If you're okay with it, please."

Vero took out a small bottle from his pocket.

It seems to be a low-quality healing potion.

"A potion. I have some on hand, so I'll just take the gesture. By the way, is it homemade?"

"If you can tell."

Vero nodded.

I can't identify the potion maker with [Appraisal], but the small bottle is a common item.

I use it often too. And for someone at Rank C, it's a bit low-quality.

"I've learned [Alchemy] skill. I used to think about making a living as an alchemist, but I had talent limits. Now, I'm an adventurer."

"Still, it should be useful. Potions are expensive."

"Yes, everyone has been kind to me."

Contrary to his words, Vero seemed somewhat lonely.

Strong in spirit, but all his practical skills are mediocre.

He seems like a man depicted as a jack-of-all-trades, master of none.

After some small talk, Ted and the others gathered, seeking advice on how to handle group battles.

I leave it to Vero since I have little experience and continue to stay alert.

After some time, I don't know how much has passed.

I switch with Velotte and rest in a corner of the compost shed.

Everyone else gathers, some closing their eyes in rest, while others still grimace.

In the quiet time that passes, my [Presence Detection] reacts.

I stand up quietly and head towards Vero, who is on guard.

"They're coming."

Whispering, Velotte stares out the window. [Presence Detection] captures numerous signs.

Finally, Vero recognizes it, and he signals it to Sekies.

Hassha and Serade enter combat mode, and seeing this, the guards also hurriedly get up.

I close the small window and focus my attention outside.

The number is eighteen, nineteen—still increasing.

Twenty-one, twenty-two… twenty-five.

I signal with my fingers, and tension runs through everyone.

Still, more than expected. Dangerous.

The cows and sheep, sensing danger, start making noise.

Stimulated by that, Deklama, with short roars, begins to swarm into the livestock shed.

The sound of bricks being hit is followed by wood-shattering sounds.

They broke through the front door.

Receiving the signal from Sekies, Vero and I slip out.

And when we confirm that all the Deklama have invaded the livestock shed, everyone also leaves the compost shed.

During this time, the sound of wood breaking and the cries intensify.

Did they get inside the huts?

Due to their large numbers, it might not last long.

With a hand signal from Sekies, we split into two groups.

Hashou, and 7 guards at the front. Velo, Serade, and 3 remaining guards at the back.

Although the reinforcements at the back get partly destroyed, they're still sealed with wooden boards.

It's faster to remove that than to peel it off.

"Get ready!"

The command comes from Secias.

We are not in a hurry.

That's according to plan.

Shouts and intense roars can be heard.

Silently waiting, I nod to the guards.

And when the guards break the back door simultaneously, with Jema at the forefront, Serade rushes in.