Chapter 62

After taking a break, they trained again with a similar-sized group, and the results were better.

It seemed they had gotten more used to working together, as the extermination speed had increased from before.

There were slight injuries from the gaps in their armor, but they were quickly healed with divine magic. They had only used a few wind spells, which was within acceptable limits.

"Wow, it's completely different from the beginning. It's super easy?"

With more confidence, Fia's expression was bright.

"It's different from when we were following Dad's instructions. We have to make our own judgments and act on our own."

Riz also looked happy, though she was still thinking.

The image of coordination was starting to form.

Considering the fatigue, they decided to switch to ambushes from here on.

They would need to train a few more times at the same scale tomorrow.

They repeated the ambushes several times.

Among them, there were goblins who were hunting in a group, so they had to dissect them a few times.

"There are still so few."

"Yeah."

Riz nodded.

It seemed there was a primitive hierarchy, with the top goblin gathering food. That was the impression they got.

"That means the leader of this group is ruling as a powerful figure."

"Controlling 400 goblins with just strength is impressive."

Riz said.

"Well, there's no point in worrying about it. What we need to do now is reduce their numbers and buy time until the knights arrive."

After that, they continued exterminating as usual.

With more confidence, they decided to end the day at a good 100 goblins. Honestly, their feet were sore.

Even with shoes that fit well, they could feel some blisters. It was a sign they weren't used to it.

The two of them? They were still full of energy. He wished he could get some of that energy. He couldn't keep up.

Using 'Alertness,' they left the forest and returned to the village.

On the way back, in a corner of the plain, a group that seemed to be engineers was constructing a makeshift camp. It was just tents and a simple fence.

Sentinels were patrolling around it. The vanguard must have arrived.

There might be talk of using that fence for the village's defense, but it was military equipment.

It was a public asset with a clear purpose. It couldn't be used permanently for village defense. It would be reused, and if it couldn't be, it would be used as firewood. The purpose was set from the beginning.

The village's defense was simple. They would give up on the crops and flee to the church.

However, those stone walls. They were more like stone walls, and they could be climbed. He could probably climb them too.

But they could be used to delay the enemy. Even if they managed to climb, they could be pushed off with long poles or intercepted by Asta with a bow.

In such situations, people who were regularly involved in combat were strong.

They returned to the guild and headed to the reception.

"The reward is 300,000 for 100 goblins. Is that okay?"

The number of achievements had reached the limit. They could advance to level 8 at any time, but not now.

They distributed 75,000 each to everyone. The party funds, divided into four, exceeded 200,000.

It was one-fifth of a farmer's annual income. Even with a bonus, it was an abnormal amount for a few days' work.

Fia was pinching her cheeks, overwhelmed with joy.

Considering the earnings from a few days of farming, it was unbelievable. Selling home-grown vegetables would only earn a few hundred a day.

Riz had a mixed expression of joy and contemplation about the future.

As they were about to leave the reception, they were called over. It seemed the leaders of the parties currently gathered were having a meeting.

It was a sudden request, but it had been announced in the morning. Their recent direct trips to the forest had backfired.

There was still some time, so they held a debriefing in the entrance.

While they were talking, they were called from behind. It was time, and they were asked to train the two of them, including coordination.

When they entered the room, 13 people were waiting. Dido was sitting at the head of the table with Hartis.

It seemed they were the last to arrive, and as they took their seats, Dido stood up.

"I'm Dido, level 7. We're the only level 7s here. I'll take the lead. If anyone has a problem, speak up."

Everyone nodded.

"Then, the guild will explain the details of the current situation."

Dido sat down, and Hartis stood up to start the explanation.

It seemed that level 7s were unavailable due to escort missions and other requests.

The explanation covered the details of the current situation, the confidentiality obligations under the gag order, and the need for coordination training.

The level 8s, who were experienced, asked questions about rewards, coordination, and their own strategies, aligning their images.

The level 9 leaders, who looked a bit pale, were probably trying to back out. It was too late to leave now.

The reward would be based on the number of goblins recognized as killed and the number of command individuals, which would be one level higher than the current level for the number of participants.

They agreed to cut off the noses of the goblins or mark them in a specific way.

If there was a conflict over the kill, it would be discussed, but generally, the one who delivered the final blow had priority.

Cutting off only the nose or marking only the body, known as hyena behavior, was frowned upon. If someone was rumored to do this, they would likely be forced out of the adventurer business.

Most of the time, there were no conflicts over kills.

Despite the rough image, everyone was serious about their work. After all, they trusted each other with their lives. Without a minimum level of trust, they couldn't function.

When the actual training plan was discussed, I raised my hand.

"I'm Akihiro, level 9. I received instructions from the guild and have been preparing."

Over the past few days, they had hunted hundreds of goblins, and I explained the details. I also mentioned the importance of maintaining a 10-meter front and back distance for coordination between parties.

The experienced level 8s nodded in agreement.

Many of the level 9s didn't quite get it. The difference in experience directly affected their ability to visualize.

I felt a bit of unease, but there was no escaping the battlefield. Rumors and evidence would remain, and the guild's evaluation would follow them wherever they went.

"We will form a line with a 10-meter front and back distance. Please move in 10-meter increments based on the signals."

Hartis continued the explanation.

"The signals will be a bell and a drum."

A long bell signal for advancing, a short bell signal for retreating, a long drum signal for moving left, and a short drum signal for moving right.

They would stop after 10 meters. The signals would be repeated after a pause, and guild members would relay the standards from behind.

They weren't professional soldiers. Any more coordination would be impossible.

Further instructions followed, and I pointed out the critical points.

The coordination training was scheduled for the next day. Delay actions would result in casualties, but it was unavoidable.

The meeting ended, and everyone left in a hurry.

I caught Hartis, who was the last to leave, and talked to him.

It seemed that only about four more parties would be ready in time, and there were dozens of level 8 and 9 parties that were not.

The front line would consist of about 50 people as planned, and the reserve forces would be divided by role and wait.

Those who were injured and couldn't move would be evacuated by level 9s not in the battle, and personnel would be replenished.

For the formation, Dido and the level 8s would secure the flanks to prevent being outflanked.

The center would be occupied by our party and the strongest level 8s. It would be a fierce area, but there was no one else. The level 8s and 9s would be placed in between based on their abilities.

"To be honest, I can't take care of everyone around us?"

Hartis nodded.

Lastly, I asked him to find someone specialized in scouting after the command individuals were defeated.

With so many people gathered, someone would fit the bill.

He agreed.

After the conversation, I left the guild, and it was already getting dark.

I hurried home.

The faint sound of insects in the grass was soothing.