Chapter 60

Returning to the room,

I cleanse my body with the water Tisha prepared for me.

Suddenly, memories of the past flash back.

What was I doing until now?

Worrying someone and whispering self-righteous love. And hurting someone, no, hurting important people.

The abnormal state of war had skewed my normal judgment.

There was someone like that at the company.

Always with a difficult expression, staying late and working alone.

One day, they were gone from the company. I don't even know when they quit.

If things continued like this, I might have disappeared from the world just like them.

The touch of people...

I truly realized this for the first time at my age. People can't live alone.

I hear a knock.

"Are you still awake?"

Rizu enters.

Ah, how dear. To be able to love someone this much.

She approaches and gently embraces me.

"Hiro...?"

I tighten my embrace. The heat from her body is transmitted to me.

On impulse, I kiss her.

"Rizu, I love you. Thank you for today."

After being surprised by my sudden actions, her cheeks flush.

"Uh-huh."

"I know it's tough, but I want to survive together."

Her serious eyes nod in agreement.

"Alright. I'll just finish the laundry."

While doing the laundry with the leftover water, I talk, and I can sense nuances I couldn't understand before when I was self-righteous.

Because of the way we met, I probably thought of her as somewhat distant, as a stranger.

Thinking about it now, it's embarrassing that we even got engaged.

After finishing the laundry and hanging it out to dry, the sky is covered with stars. Every time I see it here, I'm overwhelmed.

"At least I can say for sure that coming here was a good thing."

Returning to the room, I slip into bed.

While having a casual conversation, I put Rizu to sleep.

Just like yesterday, I quietly prepare and slip out of the room.

I understand that you're worried, but now is the time to push myself.

I try to suppress my fatigue to a level that doesn't show and think about making the training more efficient.

In the moonlight, I savor the warmth of human connections while continuing my training.

This morning, thanks to considering my fatigue and finishing earlier, I don't feel that tired.

"Uh-huh. You seemed tired yesterday, but you're fine this morning."

Riza's approval is reassuring.

Teisha was also smiling during the meal, so it should be fine.

After finishing the meal, I head to the guild to pick up Fia.

Then, we head to the forest.

Starting from the usual stream point, we gradually move deeper into the forest along the stream.

The density has indeed increased.

The frequency of encounters has risen compared to yesterday, as evidenced by the time and the number of noses.

The increased elimination speed is due to the improvements in 'Caution' and 'Stealth,' which have increased the precision of ambushes.

Despite the increased movement, we managed to hunt nearly 70 by mid-afternoon. The pace is indeed faster.

In the process, I noticed three patterns of groups.

Those exploring the surroundings, those gathering food, and those fleeing from something.

Occasionally, I saw Goblins fighting each other and even one trying to kidnap another.

"Fia, have you ever seen Goblins fighting or kidnapping each other?"

"Hmm? I've seen Goblins from different groups fighting, but it was too dangerous to get close. I've never seen kidnapping, though."

I think about the situation.

Ah, I realize that the command individuals' groups are absorbing other groups. Considering the scale of this forest, there must be countless Goblins.

Those fleeing are doing so because a large group is approaching. The kidnappings are to incorporate them into the group.

The deeper part of the forest is too dangerous to interfere with. However, by advancing the elimination at the entrance, we can delay the formation of large groups.

This delaying action is valuable. While it's unclear when they will attack, they will likely be satisfied and attack once the group reaches a certain size.

The question is how much we can reduce the size of the group.

The final size of the group is probably determined by the skill of the command individual. For now, it's about how much we can delay and buy time until the knights arrive.

The strategy is clear. Just knowing that our actions so far have been correct is a step forward.

Today, I planned to try a group battle. I wanted to lead a small group around and then gather about 10 to fight.

Finding a relatively open area in the forest, I left the two of them there and explained that I would bring a group of about 10 and discussed the precautions.

I would use magic to move and lure the group. Maintaining a steady speed is difficult, but I would gather and lead a group of less than 10.

Leading a group, like in a game, is easy, but without hate, they might not follow.

I would have to return, prod, and provoke them to lead them to the position.

Standing where the two were waiting, I prepared a makeshift grave.

This is the first group battle that isn't an ambush. We have experience with encounters, but this is about the number.

The group suddenly emerges from the bushes with a rush. A quick glance shows no dropouts. Success.

"Focus on your teammates. Attack later. Concentrate on defense and only attack when you can."

If it's between fatigue and injury, I would definitely choose fatigue. In practice, reserve forces are on standby. An injury would render you powerless.

The front of the group charges with wooden spears and rusty swords. Honestly, this scale is still scary.

With the two in the front and me in the middle, I use the makeshift grave to hold them off. I restrain the use of magic until it's dangerous.

When we clash, we naturally form a half-encirclement. The group surrounds our reverse triangle.

The key is to prevent them from getting behind us. I focus on the direction of the blades.

The front line intentionally opens gaps, and I swing the makeshift grave through them, alternating between left and right defenses.

After taking down 2 or 3, a spear pierces the gap in Rizu's shoulder armor. I quickly consider using magic.

"I'm fine, I can do it!!"

Despite the pain, she swings her hammer with determination. Her left arm's shield movement is significantly impaired.

There's no time to pull out the spear, so I can't use divine magic. I imagine removing small fragments, bacteria, and viruses, but I can't with the spear still in.

I focus more on Rizu's left side.

Then, Fia is almost surrounded.

"I can't let Rizu do all the work!!"

Fia's sword swings with renewed determination. After taking down 4 or 5, the pressure suddenly drops. We stop holding back, spread the front line, and I move forward.

With wide swings to immobilize the enemies, the two finish them off.

Silence returns to the surroundings. Without time to be dazed, I quickly pull out the spear from Rizu. Her face contorts in pain.

It seems to have gone in quite deep. It avoided major blood vessels. I heal it with divine magic.

"Wow, you're amazing. No scars left."

Despite the pain and fear, she doesn't show it on her face.

Was it too early? Regret distorts my face, and Rizu's finger stops my mouth from speaking.

"Group battles are necessary. Don't worry. Everyone is alive."

The two nod seriously.

Honestly, I had underestimated it. Group battles are different from ambushes. They are more dangerous.

I restrained the use of magic to test the limits, but in a prolonged battle, it would actually happen.

"From tomorrow, we'll include group battles in our hunts."

I try to act cheerful.

The leader mustn't show anxiety. If I don't act like it's possible, no one will follow.

"Then, let's call it a day. Let's hunt a few more and head back to the village. I want to visit the blacksmith."

We quickly finish off the stragglers and head back to the village after reaching 80.

"The reward is 240,000 for 80 Goblins. Is that okay?"

I hand over 60,000 each. The party funds, divided into four, exceed 150,000.

The rewards are split equally.

"I'm sorry for involving you in such danger."

"No, no. We have to take opportunities when they come. I'm super happy?"

Fia has a carefree smile.

"I was scared thinking about Hiro facing such danger alone."

Rizu is also smiling wryly.

Ah, girls are strong.

We head to the blacksmith.

"Your previous armor is ready."

I try it on Rizu's legs. It fits perfectly when tightened with a belt and doesn't hinder movement.

"I can kick."

I'd prefer not to be kicked by a metal plate. It would crush something. I won't say what.

We also discussed other armor, but the stock is in town. Moreover, fixing a full set of female armor takes time.

The price for a full set is over 1 million. For two, it's 2 million. The annual income of two houses.

Borrowing this amount takes a lot of courage. We discussed borrowing before, but it's overwhelmingly from the guild.

There are more things we can't refuse. Scary, the guild is scary.

As for weapons, Fia's sword is still in good condition. Even though it's worn down from sharpening, there's no significant difference.

Changing weapons also takes time to get used to. A change in balance requires a lot of practice.

So, we decided on ready-made leather armor to minimize exposure. We tried various options, and there was a set that didn't hinder movement and supplemented vulnerable parts with parts.

The appearance was also balanced. It felt like a slightly heavy leather armor set.

The price was around 50,000 each, which we could afford with our recent income. Considering today's injury, it was a good buy. The other two also nodded.

The leather armor is cheaper. Since we already have it, the price isn't as high.

"The spear will take a bit longer. The processing is complicated."

Well, there's no helping it with the spear.

I send the two to their usual training. There's plenty to do, like getting used to the new equipment.

I visit the cobbler.

The shoes are ready, so I hand over the exchange parchment and receive them.

Back at the guild, I ask for Hartis to be called. I want to check the progress.

He comes down immediately and leads me to a meeting room.

"Thank you for your daily support."

I share my thoughts and experiences from today.

"The horses have returned."

He speaks with a slightly happy expression.

The viscount's side has immediately started forming the knight squad. The shortest access to the gold mine where the Dire Wolf was found can't be ignored.

The formation is faster than expected, but the arrival is still close. However, the possibility of waiting a day or two was higher before, but they will arrive without much delay.

A separate advance team has already been dispatched to transport materials and set up the base. It's really helpful to have capable people looking ahead.

"The gag order has also been officially issued. The staff has been informed and is in agreement. The number of adventurers hunting Goblins is increasing, but..."

As you said, it's like pouring water on a burning stone. However, reducing the numbers still has meaning. The knights have been waiting at the base, suppressing the groups as they emerge from the forest, and then eliminating and sweeping them.

The common opinion is that this buys time until the groups emerge from the forest.

"The town guild has been informed, and our guild master's observational skills and subsequent actions have been highly praised."

It's reassuring to gain the trust of the higher-ups. I won't be cut down carelessly. I shouldn't be treated as a scapegoat. Hartis's expression says as much.

We exchange pleasantries, and I leave the guild and return to the Astor residence.

After greeting Teisha, I quickly return to my room and change my shoes.

They fit better than expected. I had underestimated them. The craftsman is amazing.

I adjust the side laces and head to the yard. Training, training, training.

The key is to ensure range and delay the overkill. I'll focus on these two points.

The wind is gradually becoming cooler.

The sun sets, and the world is dyed red by the twilight.