Tenkomori Chapter 60

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Chapter 60. The First Year at the Academy - First Semester Field Training 3

Chapter 60. The First Year at the Academy - First Semester Field Training 3

After dinner, we were discussing the instructor's instructions over a cup of tea.

They told us to take turns being on watch during the night in each group.

I don't think we need 14 guards, but it's an exercise, so we have no choice.

After some discussion, we decided that the order would be Felix, myself, Lambert, and Lola.

I suggested that Lola, who was the most tired, should be the last to get the most rest, and left the rest to Lambert and Felix. Compared to when we were guarding the "Sword of the Deep Silence" any order was a piece of cake.

After that, it was bedtime, and while I was resting in the tent Felix shook me by the shoulder.

I quietly slipped out of the tent so as not to wake Lambert.

"Switch, please."

"Anything unusual?"

"Not really. It was noisy."

Felix smiles mockingly.

I ask him back, but he goes into the tent, "You'll probably find out soon enough."

Tilting my head, I immediately understood what he meant.

Everyone gathered around the central campfire and began chatting and laughing.

It's like a campfire, isn't it?

I don't doubt the feeling. If they weren't so fond of things or aware that they were in danger, they wouldn't have set up camp on their own. We may be nobles or commoners, but we are ten years old. In my previous life, we would be in the middle of elementary school. Individual campfires are prohibited. So the campfire is dimly lit except in the center of the camp. And the reflection from the bonfire and the moonlight only vaguely reveal the shape of the tents. It is unavoidable that people gather near the bonfire.

There are eight of us gathered here.

The other four are not on guard somewhere.

I can't say for sure, but I don't see them around the tent, and I don't sense any sign of them on the perimeter either.

It seems that they have not come out of the tent. I don't think they are inside keeping watch, so they must have gone to sleep.

Well, do as they please. I'm just doing my part.

I invoked "Stealth" and moved to the eastern forest, hiding in a dark grove of trees.

If they attack Lambert's, it would be in this direction.

The rustling of leaves carries the students' stories.

After a while, the guards' banter showed no sign of abating.

First a death struggle with goblins, and now they are indulging in ghost stories. There are rumors of the Seven Wonders of Cartilard, but these stories usually become rambling in the latter half of the day. As expected, they soon run out of material and leaves the academy, only to be terminated. Now he takes turns telling ghost stories. I wish they would put their enthusiasm into their original role as a ghost storyteller.

What I found a little interesting, however, was that many of the monster stories were about monsters that cause direct harm.

Even in my previous life, the objects of fear differed according to race. In this world, ghosts seem to be prevalent, partly because they exist as monsters and can be dealt with.

Unusually shaped demons lurked in labyrinths, kings of death led by countless undead, and even ancient dragons made an appearance. In this way, it is no longer an adventure story.

And there are labyrinths, or dungeons, in this world as well.

They are useful because we can obtain magical tools, magic books, and materials for rare monsters, but they were even more harmful.

The labyrinths have powerful demons called guardians, who, contrary to their designation, come out of the labyrinths with impunity. They lead their hordes to attack surrounding villages, towns, and even demons. Therefore, when they discover a labyrinth, the destruction of the labyrinth was the first thing discussed.

As is customary, destroying the nucleus is the only way to stop their activities.

Therefore, it is considered a kind of monster, but true or not, it was not bare like in the game. The dungeon core is buried somewhere in the realm, and dungeons that have expanded unnoticed are nearly impossible to destroy.

Thus, when it was concluded that a discovered dungeon was indestructible. So people abandoned the land. So now the countries are spread out to avoid such labyrinths and dens of monsters.

I turn my gaze away from the forest and toward the square.

Except for the guards still chatting, most of the students are asleep.

With the place so quiet, "Presence Detection" would work.

One presence was heading straight for us.

Is it for me?

The presence passed through the plaza and entered the forest. Even so, it did not change its direction.

It is not Lambert. It's early for his shift, and he doesn't know I'm here.

I hide in the darkness and catch my breath.

As I continue to watch, a young man emerges from the shadows of the trees.

What is he doing here?

It was the advisor of Elphima's team.

He is looking around the area with his seamless movements as usual.

I don't know what he's up to, but I don't like it when he comes at me out of the blue.

I deactivated my "Stealth" and made myself a little more visible.

Then, he immediately noticed me and smiled.

"There you are, in a place like this."

"Can I help you?"

"I'm worried you won't be back anytime soon."

The young man responded with a relieved look.

He must have seen you just before you moved.

I bowed lightly.

"I'm sorry for worrying you. I should have told you where to watch."

"No, that's not necessary. We're just advisors."

"Yes. I will suggest that you take the lead in the next encampment. I'm sure it will be a struggle."

"Indeed. This year is going to be a struggle."

The young man laughs happily.

The students of combat art and alchemy are all viscounts and barons. There are no big names. The only one who is equal to a count is Elphimia, but she is not only equal to a count, she is not a nobleman, and she is a woman. The childish men of the aristocracy would not be happy.

"I'm going back. I'll be back. I'm Harvith Rasfall, fifth year."

"Alter. Alter Les Riedwald."

Hearing my name, Halvis was a little surprised.

When he wondered, he returned to smiling.

"Well then, call me if you need anything. Alter-san."

I returned a bail to his back as he walked away and gently invoked "Appraisal."

I see. I have heard rumors.

So this person is the strongest in the academy?

Name: Harvith Rasfall

Race: Human

Level: 16

Physical Strength: 71/71

Magic: 83/83

Str: 14

Int: 14

Dex: 15

End: 13

Agi: 16

Charm: 14

[Skills]

Hard Strike, Double Strike, Ryuen Sword Dance, Puncture, Spiral Pillar, Throwing: Spear, Shield Strike

Strike Resistance 1, Mental Resistance 2, Crisis Perception 2

One-handed Sword 6, Spear 5, Shield 5, Taijutsu 4, Horsemanship 3, Projectile 2

No-attribute Magic 1, Denatured Magic 2

[Magic]

Beginner

Magic Shield, Cloak of Protection

Increased Leg Up, Moving Up

[Title]

None.

I had heard he was strong, but I didn't expect him to be this strong.

His simple fighting ability is equal to that of Markant, and he can even go toe-to-toe with Roland, if not beat him.

So he is a student of the institute.

If he blocks my "High-Speed Movement" and "Multiple Chanting," I will probably lose.

I thought so at the time of Elphimia, but there are geniuses out there. I feel ashamed of my cheat.

But why was I surprised when I heard his name?

When I tilted my head, a round old man crossed my mind.

Is it that guy again ......?

◇◇◇◇

The next morning we were folding our tents and getting ready to leave.

We packed our bags and declared to Lola the supplies we had consumed.

She wrote them down on a piece of parchment and rationed food from the shared supplies. Although our luggage was bulky, we had agreed to maintain only food in case of distress. As for water, I replenish it regularly.

After that, I distributed potions.

Everyone nodded their heads, as this was not part of the plan.

Lola observed the aroma and color.

"Are you sure it's a fatigue-relieving potion?"

"Correct."

Lambert grumbles at my words.

"I appreciate the sentiment. But I don't work out soft and tender."

Felix agreed.

He thought I had been underestimating him.

"I know. I was going to give you only Lola's share, but you'll have to drink it today. It might be a long day."

I looked at the lecturers.

Lambert followed my line of sight and guessed.

"Are you up to something?"

"I doubt it. You know that goblin from yesterday?"

"Of course I do. If he bragged that much, I'd hear about it even if I didn't want to. What about it?"

"A complete victory in his first real battle. I know you're proud of yourself, but you're getting a little carried away. If I were the instructor, I'd tighten up."

"You're getting in the way of those idiots. Well, it's better than going home without swinging a sword."

Lambert laughed, but Lola, who heard the conversation, turned completely pale.

"Don't worry. If it looks dangerous, we'll retreat immediately."

"Besides, if push comes to shove. Felix and I will hold them off."

"Thank you. But please don't be too reckless."

Lola's expression softened as she said this.

After that, all the students cleared out of the camp and the advisors joined their groups.

The second day of travel began.

We continued westward to the next campsite. The move west would end today, and the day after tomorrow we would return home. With no lectures on collecting, etc. If we were going to do anything, it would be today.

Since the first day was a late start, today's Rembert team was the first to go.

Soon it was our turn to leave, and Felix, Lambert, Lola, and I proceeded in formation.

Unlike the forests of Leknod, the forest in this area were easy to walk through because there was little difference in elevation.

Even so, as we go deeper into the forest, the march is cut short by overhanging roots and bushes. Most students were unfamiliar with the forest because they were in the middle of nowhere. Their line was disorganized. Each time this happened, they gave the order to stop.

After a few more stops, the group would pause

 for a moment.

Many students sat in the forest, rubbing their tired feet and drinking water.

The nobles, who had no team members who could use water magic, asked the commoners to collect water for them. As expected, there seemed to be no one demanding water from me, a nobleman.

I took out a pot and filled it with "Pure Water".

"Oh, sorry."

Lambert and the others immediately began scooping up the water.

"Thanks, but isn't that too much? We haven't lost much yet."

"If there's any leftover, please share it with those who don't have water. Sermon included."

It was not only the nobles who were unprepared.

Lambert looked at them and shook his head.

"Fine. And you?"

"I'm going to do some reconnaissance."

I glanced at Tobias and responded in a whisper.

Lambert nodded silently.

Then, feigning casualness, I left the line. Since many people were going to do their business, no one paid attention to me.

I left the scouting range of "Ezras".

They said they would be in charge of scouts, but as expected, it was narrow. Among them, only one did his main job and the rest were just light. It was doubtful that even Daeras and the others, let alone Ose and Pidosios, would be able to catch them. They were only D-rank.

Now, what are the lecturers up to?

I keep a good distance and invoke "Stealth," "Presence Detection," and "High-Speed Movement"

As soon as I started running through the forest, I sensed that there were few signs of life.

We have never ventured into this area, but if that is the case, there should be even more signs.

Is it simply because of the noise?

The wolf tracks are also moving to avoid the students.

No matter how poor the students are, they are a threat if there are that many. Most animals and monsters would probably avoid them.

But if they were still going to attack - it would be these guys.

Carved into the underbrush were goblin footprints.

The young man who gets carried away after defeating goblins is put in a painful situation by the same goblins.

It sounds like something an instructor might think of. 

I raise an eyebrow.

This is not a good idea.

The number of footprints was no less than thirty.

It was hard to imagine a wandering herd. Perhaps there is a settlement nearby. And if the tracks are just hunting, there are kidnapped people and children in their village. There could be more than a hundred. If they pass unnoticed through the vicinity of the settlement, they'll destroy students and if not, they will suffer tremendous damage.

There was no way they would see this and lead the students away.

After searching for them, I found another trail at a point closer to the formation.

There were only a few of them.

I may have been wrong about a rematch with the goblins.

Even if it is true, it may not be these traces that we found.

But whatever the facts may be, the fact that so many goblins are active is a problem.

This is the scale to send a strike force.

I ran back as fast as I could.

Someone from "Ezras" noticed and rushed to approach, but I left them behind.

As I approached the line, I released my "High-speed Movement".

Lambert is relieved when I return.

"You're late They've already left."

"We have a problem."

Lambert and the others' expressions changed.

I called Lola and Tobias and explained the situation in a whisper.

"I found goblin tracks. There are at least thirty of them. That's the size of a village. If they start moving. They'll attack at least twice as many."

"Wait a minute, thirty? That's a settlement?"

Tobias was surprised, but also suspicious.

This reaction, the advisor knew. And he was still right, and he hadn't grasped it.

"I'm sorry, but I can't believe it. Did you find it?"

"I can show you, but more importantly--Lola."

"Yes, yes!"

"Tell Elphimia this story right now. But only her. No. 1--or whatever you called it, anyway--make sure Doris's cronies don't know about it. The confusion will spread."

"Understood!"

Lola immediately runs to the rear.

Elphimia's advantage is its firepower against a wide area. If a melee breaks out, we'll lose the chance to activate her magic.

I turned to Tobias.

"Let's continue with the advisor. We're running out of time."

"I understand."

Tobias cut off the conversation.

I heard angry shouts and clamor from beyond the forest.

Soon one of the "Ezras" arrives and shouts, "Goblins are out!" They shout and retreats.

They don't seem to be in a hurry. It's still just an exercise.

The students also drew their swords and prepared for battle, but they still relaxed.

"Here they come!"

Lambert draws his sword, followed by Felix and Tobias.

I focused my attention and turned my "Presence Detection" forward.

Countless signs were coming from all over the place.

The "Serps" led by Haleist are leading the way. But from the looks of it, it seems that the students are also fighting.

Even so, there were few goblins.

"There aren't many of them. They are still separate units or scouts."

Tobias looks at me suspiciously.

"I can use "Presence Detection". I'll prove it at another time. Whatever the case may be, they've noticed us now. They'll be here soon."

My prediction was immediately true.

Presence Detection" detected the increase in goblins, and one of the senior students rushed back, looking panicked, and said, "Fall back!　Everyone, hurry to the back of the line!" He shouted.

Tobias' complexion changed.

"We're fine," I said. Tobias-senpai will guide the other students."

"Okay! What about you guys?"

I turned my attention to Lambert.

Lambert silently looked around the area in response.

The surroundings were in turmoil.

The students who had thrown down their weapons fled frantically. And the upperclassmen who were shouting at the top of their voices. Many students realized that something had happened and retreated. While some stopped to think and looked at the scene with puzzled looks on their faces.

Lambert turned to Tobias.

"Can you escort Lola, please?"

"Yes, leave it to me."

Lambert nodded at those words and pointed to the front line with his sword.

"Advance! Join up with the front group and fall back while covering them!"

"Roger that, Leader."

I draw my sword and respond.

I heard the sounds of battle and screams.

It was only a matter of time before this rippled through the entire area.

◇◇◇◇

When I arrived at the front line, I found "Serps" fighting against more than a dozen goblins.

Behind them were five students.

Three of them are sitting down, and two of them are checking the goblins with their swords.

The smell of blood. Were they injured and unable to move?

I heard a loud sound and turned my eyes to see Harvith popping a flying arrow with his shield.

Immediately after that, two goblins jumped at him. As if they were aiming right at him.

Odiles, a priest warrior, immediately came to the aid of the goblins and slashed them down.

The wizard Naria took up a position in front of the students and remained motionless with her short wand at the ready. There are too many of them, and it seems they cannot waste their magic power.

It's a tricky situation.

There are archers and they are working together. Well, I remember seeing something like this on the road in Braslad. Is it the nature of the land? My neighborhood was full of brainiacs.

Whatever the case, there is still room in "Serps". Let's heal them while we can.

"I'll heal them. Keep them away from us."

"Oh!"

Lambert and Felix jumped out and slashed at the goblin encirclement.

In the meantime, they approached the wounded and checked their condition.

One of them is seriously wounded. He has been slashed in the stomach. The rest are lightly wounded. They are just too scared to move. Unfortunately, I don't have any potions of courage with me. Do people have such a thing?

I take a healing potion from my shoulder bag and sprinkle it on the two slightly wounded. The severely wounded person rinsed his wounds with the healing potion accompanying the blood increase.

The sudden cold water, and the pain subsiding, gave the two lightly wounded a relaxed look.

The breathing of the severely wounded also calmed down.

I called out to them as they readied their swords.

"I'll take care of this. Take them down with you."

"Ah-ah, okay! Sorry!"

The two rushed to help the three of us up, but the serious wound hasn't healed.

Do we need to stall for time?

The situation is favorable.

Lambert and his men were stable, as they had been in actual battles. With the pressure reduced, the movement of "Serps" is also much better.

It's the bows that are tricky.

"I'll go clear out the back."

"What--?"

I slip past the startled Lambert, duck my sword, and kick the fleshy goblin away.

I rushed to the panicking archer goblin and slashed at it with my small sword.

The sword feels heavy, after all. The blade is dull.

As I was finishing it off, another archer was drawing its bow out of the corner of my eye.

Immediately, I activated his "High-Speed Movement" and avoided the flying arrows.

I approached at the same speed and cut down the archer with the arrow.

He is still alive, but his long-range attack is blocked.

One more.

I fire a "Shock Bolt"  at the goblin archer who trying to keep its distance.

It stops moving, but I can't finish it off. A single shot is not powerful enough.

I then fire two more "Shock Bolt" shots. The archer goblin stands perfectly still.

I turn around and slash at the goblin, who is in a panic because it lost its bow and arrow.

This took care of this one.

When I looked back, I saw that Lambert had just killed the last one.

He was not far behind the goblins. I guess I'm still ahead of the rest of the freshman class.

"Are you guys senior students?"

Lambert shook his head at Haleist's question.

"No, we're first-years."

"I'm saved by the person that I'm supposed to protect. Now thank you, but don't take it too hard."

"It's an exercise. If you don't fight, there's no point in coming."

"That's true, but--"

Harvith exhales in disgust.

"Terrible, this year's Cartilard.

 That one in particular."

He turns his gaze toward me.

I'll take your assessment in stride, but we don't have time for this.

"Reinforcements may be coming. Let's join up with everyone."

"Right. Give me a hand."

Supporting the students who had been left behind, we began to move.

We arrived at the first point, but the students were nowhere to be seen.

The signs - are more backward, I guess. They seem to be gathering as instructed. It's our fault for not retreating, isn't it? We can't go home with a chip on our shoulder, can we?

As proof, a familiar presence approached.

"Where are the goblins?

Zeret was the first to jump out.

"Where are they?" Followed by Barden, then Corpus, Ismira, and finally Desindo.

Desindo notices us and pats his chest.

Harvith steps forward and begins his report.

"We have already treated a few injured, including a few seriously injured. "What is the situation over there?"

"It's a mess, but it's fine."

While they were having a serious conversation, Zeret peered into the grove and bushes.

Then, unexpectedly, he turned to me.

"Hey, Tenko. Where's the goblin?"

"Tenko?"

Lambert reacted, a dubious look on his face.

It's impossible to get away with it. There are these guys.

"Uh, ...... actually, I know them."

'Oh, we know each other!"

"I knew it."

"Sorry for not telling you. And, Tenko is just what he calls me. It doesn't mean anything deeper."

"Oh, because he's Tenko!"

Lambert laughed weakly at Zeret, who was very good at what he was doing.

The question would remain, but it was useless to ask him.

"You guys, we're going to join everyone else."

Desindo called out as he seemed to have finished his report.

The "Serps" had already retreated with the students.

But then my "Presence Detection" reacted again.

Reinforcements. Four or five more, and more are on the way.

I weigh the speed of the goblins against the students moving away.

It's impossible, they'll catch up with us.

"What are you doing,? Hurry up!"

Desindo urged me to hurry, but I looked up at Zeret.

"You want to fight goblins?"

"That's what you asked me to do!"

Yeah, that's not it. But I won't go into it now.

"They're coming."

"What?"

Pointing with his thumb, Zeret swung his war hammer.

Immediately after that, goblins came out of the bushes.

"Let's blow them all up together!"

Zeret charged with glee, and Barden drew his saber and ran at them, shouting in surprise.

Ismira panicked and tried to stop them, but it was no longer possible. The only thing they could think of was to blow its head off.

"You, what are you doing!"

"I'm just saving you the trouble. They will catch up with us anyway. The result will be the same."

"Ugh. ......."

Ismira made a strange moan and fell silent.

In the meantime, the goblin hit by the hammer of the side cleave is flying somewhere. Barden is laughing and waving his saber around. The goblin appeared in high spirits, but it was already losing its will to fight. I felt a little sorry for him.

"Oh, God! Let's get this over with and join up with them!"

Ismira and Corpus joined the attack.

"Water Bolts" flew and Corpus' sword flipped.

The reinforcements were on the verge of destruction.

"Let them take care of this.  We're going back."

Desindo said irritably.

I don't disagree with you, but something's bugging me.

I didn't move, and Decindo raised his voice even more.

At that moment, a strange sound echoed through the forest.

The sound of shattering glass? In the forest?

It reached everyone's ears.

Startled, Ismira backed up and turned her gaze to the forest.

"What was that ......?"

"You know?"

Ismira nodded her head, keeping her eyes open.

"It's probably a 'Freezing Storm' a ranged-field type. There are no adventurers who are familiar with it. Not even instructors or upperclassmen."

"Then it's a year. And there's one exceptional person."

"You're kidding, it's intermediate magic. A ten-year-old?"

"Well, that's not the important part now, is it?"

Ismira gasped.

Ismira was also aware of the situation.

"Is this a diversion?

I guess so. This is what's strange. No wonder the goblins were not retreating.

They attacked from the first point of contact, and the main force surprised them from the flank.

Because we were taking it easy and Zeret and the others were there, it was no longer a diversion. The student who was less than a recruit wouldn't have had a chance. He was a great commander.

"There's Lola over there, we have to go back!"

Lambert is impatient.

A few days ago, he would not have said those words. He was happy, but something was still bothering him.

"What's wrong?

"Just--wait a minute."

I quieted Lambert, who was about to start running and reconfirmed the situation.

Zeret and Barden are chasing around the goblins, who are not very patient.

No goblins are seriously trying to confront them, but they don't seem to be retreating.

They seem desperate to play the role of diversion.

But - even if that were the case - they are too weak.

This is an easy way to be destroyed and hardly a diversion.

Zeret and Barden almost entirely held them.

Can't you mobilize that many?

I focus all of my consciousness on "Presence Detection".

I pass through Zeret and the goblins and go further in.

There it is - this guy.

Further back in the diversionary unit. A strong presence.

I see. They made us think it was a diversion, but in the end, we were the real target.

He's good, isn't he?

I found myself smiling.