Tenkomori Chapter 105.1

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Chapter 105.1. The Second Year at the Academy - Joint Exercise 3 (1)

Chapter 105.1. The Second Year at the Academy - Joint Exercise 3 (1)

Episode 105: Second Year at the Academy - Joint Exercise 3

As we made our way towards the main camp set up in the forest, Shired and Kurthos squads were already waiting.

Leading the way, we approached Shired to greet them.

To which, the slender-faced boy shook his head slightly.

"I'm not fit to lead people. I'll give minimal instructions, but I'll leave detailed situational judgments to you all."

His response was an abrupt relinquishment of command.

Both Lambert and Kurthos exchanged puzzled looks.

Indeed, Shired was weak.

They lacked any combat skills, and their squad members were rather average.

While combat prowess wasn't essential for a commander, it might not be suitable for a small, elite surprise attack unit.

Shired seemed to understand this well and still appeared bewildered.

So that's why Kurthos' squad was the last one chosen.

If he were the commander, the other 3rd-years wouldn't follow.

And if someone other than Shired were the commander, there might have been conflict with Lambert.

If Lambert were to be added to the surprise attack unit, Shired was the only choice for the commander, and the remaining slot had to be filled from the 2nd-years.

Of course, forming a surprise attack unit with third-years would resolve everything, but it would contradict Soval's ideals.

They must have had quite a dilemma, despite appearances.

"Now that everyone is here, let me explain the plan again. The surprise attack unit will move only after the [Disturbance] has been activated. After that, they'll break through the front lines and aim to take down the main camp. The Egil squad should be on alert for the surprise attack. Kurthos' squad and we will deal with the enemy interception units. Lambert's squad will continue without stopping, aiming only for the main camp."

Seeming prepared, Lambert nodded without changing his expression.

"Understood. I'll take on that important role."

"If we have any spare capacity, we'll also head for the main camp. We're counting on Kurthos' squad too."

Kurthos also agreed with a tense expression.

Logically speaking, it would be difficult for a single second-year squad to capture the main camp.

But after yesterday's battle, it was evident that the Egim squad wasn't particularly strong. The only thing to watch out for would be the escort units enhanced with magic.

The crucial point would be how much damage could be contained until reaching there.

Shortly after the Soval squad took their positions, the battle drums' sound reverberated through the forest.

The second round of the joint exercise had begun.

"Attack units, advance!"

At Soval's command, twenty-four members began their march.

They formed the vanguard of the attack units, wary of the [Disturbance].

The formation protected the second-years in the rear, but how effective would it be?

Their time to buy counted as our time limit.

We deployed the attack units in three directions and vanished into the forest.

I activated [Presence Det and followed the movements.

Both sides were familiar with the key [Disturbance] in Selway.

Egim squad concentrated their troops on the front lines to draw in the Soval squad, leaving us to use the [Disturbance] at the expense of the front lines.

It seemed to be going according to plan, but there seemed to be more Egim troops than expected.

It was too far to be certain, but their presence felt denser than ours.

Had they allocated too many people to the surprise attack unit?

No, a single squad couldn't break through. We had to hold the front line.

The signs of dispersal in the forest led to contact and battles erupted.

As I focused on [Presence Detection] to assess the situation, the signs instantly changed.

Too soon - have they already moved?

"They've used it."

I whispered softly, and Lambert stared into the forest.

"It's just beginning."

"They've initiated it before confirming the front line's situation?"

"Judgment is left to Selway. Ah, the left flank... the right flank too. Running around the battlefield is quite a task."

While we were having such a conversation, a messenger passed by us and rushed towards the main camp.

"The [Disturbance] has been activated, confirmed! The front lines are in chaos!"

"Thank you."

Soval acknowledged the messenger and turned his gaze toward the surprise attack unit.

"Go, Shired. Drive your swords into the enemy's main camp."

"Yes, sir!"

The second battle of the joint exercise.

Right from the start, it was time for our surprise attack unit to act.

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Leading the way, I searched for the enemy's positions with [Presence Detection].

The central area with many enemies was out of the question, yet circling too far left or right would waste time.

Now it's a race against time.

Once again, the right flank was sparse, but...

It's a trap. I sense a concentration of presence deeper in.

Considering the sequence of [Disturbance], Selway must be there. They might be holding back on the left flank, but Egil wouldn't know about my scouting skills. Elphimia wouldn't tell them.

So, it's a bluff.

Even if they move, the central area is more accessible.

Anyway, they're continuously casting intermediate magic, so their magical reserves should be running low, but they seem adept at trapping, so we shouldn't approach recklessly.

When I suggested advancing on the left flank, Shired promptly agreed.

As we approached the front line, we could hear cries and strange screams mixed in with the clashing of swords.

They seemed to resist magic more than I expected, managing to hold the front line somehow.

"They're holding out somehow—"

Lambert remarked when a weeping boy passed by.

As he followed the referee's gaze, he continued.

"They're holding out, but it's nerve-racking. It's terrifying magic."

Will that leave a lasting impression? It seems like it'll be a joke for a while.

Regaining focus, I probed ahead.

"A portion of the enemy's frontline is setting up a defensive perimeter. We can probably sneak past, but there's a risk of detection. We could avoid it by taking a detour, but..."

"We can't afford to waste time. Let's proceed. Kurthos, will you intercept if they follow?"

"Leave it to me."

Shired chose to move forward.

They would likely prefer to avoid fighting here.

Shired and Kurthos squads were accompanying us to hold off the reconnaissance and interception teams. They couldn't afford to engage the front line.

However, as warned, we got caught in the defensive perimeter.

Except for me, the surprise attack unit hadn't learned the [Stealth] skill. It was inevitable we'd be discovered.

Receiving Shired's signal, Kurthos nodded.

"I'll handle the rear."

With that, Kurthos and his squad disappeared into the forest.

There weren't many allies left on the left flank. Let's hope they don't overexert themselves.

With Kurthos' sacrifice, the surprise attack unit broke through the front line.

Now, we just had to dodge Egim squad's scouts and skirmishers and head for the main camp.

However, my pace slowed.

There were clearly more scouts than expected.

For a moment, I thought they might be dispersing the skirmishers, but I quickly realized it was different.

Referees were mixed among the scouts.

They were mostly acting alone, making it hard to distinguish them from Egim's squad.

Adventurers and instructors could distinguish them by the strength of their presence, but senior referees weren't always combatants.

Compared to that, it was easier to spot Egim's squad's scouts.

The group of eight heading towards the main camp could only belong to Soval's surprise attack unit.

In the end, we were detected, and we were attacked by the skirmishers.

Shired squad stayed behind to hold them off, but now the main camp knew about the surprise attack unit.

"We were underprepared."

I apologized briefly while hiding in the shadows.

We had started with twelve members, but only Lambert's squad of four remained.

The main camp was still far away.

"We knew it would be difficult. And we're not beaten yet."

"I appreciate you saying that, but... here comes the next assault. From those we know well."

"Leader, be ready!"

Bursting out of the bushes, Nils appeared.

Without a second thought, he lunged at Elliot.

"Why are you attacking us again?! We wanted to fight together!"

"Please don't hit me!"

As they argued, the two began an intense duel.

What a personal grudge. Nils.

While we were bewildered, the bushes shook again.

"You charged in without permission!"

With an angry expression, the remaining members of Siglar squad also arrived.

They immediately aimed their swords at Lambert's group.

The two sides prepared to face off.

"It's Siglar squad. Let's crush them all at once!"

"No, there's still more."

From the shadows, figures sprang out and attacked from behind Lambert's group.

I intervened, deflecting the wooden swords, dodging another slash, and kicking one down.

"Impressive. You sensed us, didn't you?"

As I spoke, Karmal―and his sidekick number two―stood up.

I stood behind Lambert's group, sword ready.

These guys, huh?

I'd like to deal with them properly, but time is limited. Let's hurry them along.

"I'll take care of the rear. You two focus on the front—"

As I said that, Karmal and his group veered off unexpectedly.

They somehow merged with Siglar squad.

Why are they breaking the encirclement?

"Our opponents aren't Altair-sama."

He tossed the words aside and attacked Lambert.

And thus, we ended up with a one-on-one and a two-on-five situation.

Even though I'm here, they're not even looking at me.

They focus on defeating Lambert's squad first and then me―though it doesn't seem like they're concentrating on me.

"Watch me, Altair-sama! I'll prove myself by defeating this one!"

"There's no disciple. You're an enemy."

Ignoring my reply, Nils swung his wooden sword vigorously.

Upon closer inspection, it wasn't a one-handed sword but an unusually long curved sword.

Is he copying my scimitar?

Feeling a bit tired, I watched the two fights.

Apparently, they have no intention of taking me seriously.

Should I just intervene and break it up—?

Or should I just go ahead alone?

As I pondered, I realized.

They're under the effect of strengthening magic.

Their movements are sharp, and they don't hesitate to face Lambert's squad, who are superior. Mental fortification.

There's only one person who can do that.

I searched the surroundings with [Presence Detection].

Among the countless movements, I found myself.

So that's how it is.

"It seems I've been invited."

As we fought, Lambert glanced around.

"Are we considered nuisances? Go ahead, Altair!"

Felix nodded, and Elliot cheered from behind.

Why do even Nils and Karmal cheer for me? With a wry smile, I entered the forest.

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