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.
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."
While saying that, Vero smiled warmly.
Since the first day we entered the forest, the two of us had been on reconnaissance missions.
It would have been more convenient for one person to move, but Sekies didn't approve.
And today was the last day, as originally declared.
Starting tomorrow, I had lectures, so I had to leave early.
After staying up all night for the lectures, I would return to the ranch around noon, and take a nap.
If they were waiting, I venture into the forest in the evening.
However, this morning…
"It's until the day after tomorrow. After that, everyone will head for subjugation,"
Sekies declared in the early hours.
So, our reconnaissance mission, Vero and I, was over.
If it dragged on, well… we'd go Dekrama hunting with a quick run.
I quickly prepared and informed Sekies that Vero and I were going on reconnaissance. We entered the forest.
The first place we headed to was the scene where the sheep had been ravaged.
Despite careful examination, we couldn't find any new traces, and there was no sense of a presence.
After that, the two of us searched the surroundings.
If we seriously looked for it, finding Deklama wouldn't be difficult, but as Sekies said on the first day, searching blindly wouldn't help distinguish whether they were attackers.
Our goal was the subjugation of those who attacked the ranch.
And just as it seemed like another fruitless search, [Presence Detection] faintly captured a disturbance.
I sense countless presences in the depths of the forest.
"Dekrama."
I whispered, and Vero readied her short sword.
Slowly scanning the area, she returned her gaze to me. It seemed she hadn't sensed it.
"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.
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