Chapter 97.2 - The Second Year at the Academy - Ranch Defense Battle (2)
When I returned to the ranch, I began my watch as instructed by Sekies.
I stayed vigilant around the livestock sheds at night, taking turns sleeping during the day.
The ones facing the most challenges were Ted and Serade.
We had to go to meet Dana and the herders after the watch was over.
Even though the distance wasn't considerable, guarding several dozen people with just four individuals was nerve-wracking.
Especially at this time when the plants were thriving, growing as tall as adults.
There were plenty of places to hide, and Sekies, understanding the difficulty, extended Serade's rest and took care to keep them from becoming too scattered.
However, Ted and the others seemed inexplicably energetic.
The next day, Gemma brought in two maces and swung them around in front of the supervisor.
We had initially taken them as souvenirs, but Ted and Gemma were delighted to have found useful tools for physical training.
Seemingly not caring much about bringing them in, Sekies, however, didn't find the owner of the maces and necklace.
According to Rebecca, they weren't items belonging to adventurers based in Selene.
They weren't of significant value, so finding them wasn't a priority.
As the 4th day approached without any attacks, I, having completed my morning nap, quietly headed to the ranch's dining hall to have the late breakfast prepared by Dana before checking the pasture.The initial posting of this chapter occurred via N0v3l.B11n.
Vero quickly approached.
"Good morning."
I returned the greeting and, while stretching, looked around.
Sekies and Barnar were patrolling, and it seemed Amber was still asleep.
"What day is it today?"
"It's the ninth day since the last attack. I didn't think it would go beyond a week."
"Agreed. Also, today is the last day for the two of us to venture into the forest."
"Unfortunately."
"They're gathering over there. More than ten... Correct."
Without even the luxury of laughter, Vero gazed seriously into the forest.
"I can use [Presence Detection] too, but... it's no use. I can't tell at all."
"Wanna check it out?"
"No, let's go back. I trust Tenko-san."
Careful not to be noticed by Dekrama, we cautiously left the forest.
We immediately reported to Sekies, and he summoned everyone.
In the management building, Hashou, Serade, the headman Patrice, and the security supervisor gathered.
Ver conveyed the situation to everyone, and I added.
"The number might increase even more."
Hearing that, Sekies crossed his arms with a complicated expression.
"How much do you think it will increase?"
"I have no idea. It's still early afternoon; it could double."
"Is there a possibility it might decrease?"
"That would be troublesome. It'd only complicate things."
"True."
Sekies and I chuckled together.
Seeing that exchange, the headman yelled.
"This is no laughing matter! A large number of Dekrama are coming to attack, right!?"
Sorry, it was insensitive.
But the trouble was real.
If they came in small groups, the attacks wouldn't end.
The headman seemed to understand, but the blue hue didn't leave his face.
