Vol. 1 - Chapter 149 - Bolstering the defense of the Border Post

"Now that they've left, I guess we should start working as well."

It would do me no good to stay irritated about the matter either way.

The outdoor classes would be past half their one-week duration by the time our classmates returned from their Dark Ferret subjugation mission, even though I've been looking forward to it before. So for now, I ought to do what I must and keep my eyes on the goal which is the hot springs.

I fetched some paper and a pencil from the supplies and placed them on the top of a stone underneath the sun.

While I was setting my stuff up, Bester, the sole person left with me in this second scenario, asked with a puzzled expression.

"............Why me, Allen? Frankly, we're hardly more than simple acquaintances. Neither do I have experience on handling base defense, you know."

Well, I guess so...... I mean, there was no way either of us had experience with such stuff.

"Well, good that you ask. Because, as the leader of the 2nd scenario, I concluded that you're the best pick for bolstering the defense of this post."

I candidly replied, though Bester shook his head.

"......It doesn't explain anything. I’m second in academics after Leo, so if Leo is required for another mission, I would be the next pick. I know that well, but we have yet to learn how to set up fortifications. In fact, it's what second year and above grade students learn in the knight course. I’ve personally peeked into it as I was a bit curious, but I'm from the civil servant course so what I’ve read is just the very basics."

I couldn't help but chuckle wryly at Bester's reply which was so much like what you would hear from a top achiever. Though props to him for trying out the second year knight course curriculum while being a civil servant course student just due to curiosity.

I guess he must be quite a study nerd. Well, it barely had anything to do with why I picked him, however.

"My decision isn't based on your academic grade or course. And you’re right, we're acquaintances at the level of nodding to each other when we meet at most. Besides, the knowledge you've learned from textbooks becomes almost useless when it comes to actual practice.

You need to be in sync with your body and mind while actually trying things out. Only then will you gain a significant amount of experience. And these outdoor classes are exactly for accumulating this kind of experience."

The more I spoke, the more confused Bester looked.

"I will rephrase my words: you would have still been my pick even if Leo hadn't been needed there. It's just a simple reason, honestly. I hypothesized what would happen if the base was attacked and then who would be the best pick for protecting it. The answer I arrived at was... you, Bester. You're the guy for this job."

A surprised expression appeared on Bester's face once I explained it again.

"Are you for real, Allen...? Frankly, I can't think outside the box like you, nor am I capable of instantly analyzing the situation and courageously taking risks like Dan. And there's also the fact that I'm rock bottom in firepower in contrast to Leo.

If you really want to classify me...... I'm more of a steady guy. Even Stella is far better than me in combat."

I firmly nodded to Bester at his analysis.

"Ahaha, and that's what I exactly mean. You've laid it out clearly. First, when would we need bizarre ideas when we're in a defense post?"

Bester fell silent at my question. Though I bet he should have realized where I was going.

"Right, it's when we're on the verge of losing. Taking risks is no different. You have to choose the least objectionable option when cornered.

It was easier to get a full picture when you could see everything in a single glance.

When he heard me, Bester nodded without showing any dissatisfaction.

"Roger. In that case, a plan that would do well against human enemies with feasibly fewer risks within a given time frame.... would look something like this."

Bester quickly sketched a simple design. It involved surrounding the base with three layers of wooden fences, each with staggered entrance directions to hinder large-scale attacks, and constructing an emergency escape route underground along with building a watchtower overlooking the ruins.

It would indeed take little time to get it ready once everyone was back. However...... seeing that plan was treading too much on the safe side, I immediately rejected it.

"This won’t work. It lacks an adventurous spirit."

Hearing my clear rejection, the creases on Bester's expression deepened.

"A-Adventuruous spirit? I think that’s the last thing—"

"Listen well, Bester! We’ve been stranded in this place by that smelly geezer, depriving us of the chance to make those precious, colorful memories of our youth! Do you not feel the urge to get back at that old geezer at least once?"

"What? But you're the one who picked me, Allen. I don’t—"

"I knew you’d understand! If something bothers you, just make your homeroom teacher cry! This is why Bester Von Stocklaud is the Royal Academy Class 1-A's <Overseer Guardian>!

That's why I can't believe you cooked up such a lame plan after pointing out the plethora of risks. What are you, a mother-in-law who is content with just finding faults with her daughter-in-law?”

I said while running my finger on the stone pedestal's surface, akin to removing the accumulated dust on a TV stand, and blowing away the dust that had gotten on my fingertip.

"W-What's with that guardian nonsense? Didn't I just explain that I have no experience with constructing bases?! Besides, this building is nothing more than a ruin, and I doubt it hardly has any connection with the border defense. It's also not suitable for defense. Frankly, I would really suggest the earlier plan given the limited time and human resources—”

I clapped my hands at Bester's idea.

"So that's the gist of it! You're really amazing, Bester!

You're right. We really don't need to limit ourselves to this ruin. Let's do this: we’ll build the watchtower from your earlier plan, and use this mountain terrain to our advantage, turning it into our stronghold. I think I’ve found a way to drag that old geezer down to our level!"

Bester, however, protested with a pale face.

"Woah, woah, stop right there. What the heck are you thinking, Allen?! Why are we even challenging Godorfun-sensei!? Also, it's just impossible to turn this mountain into our stronghold in a mere 72 hours!!"

"What? No, we don't need to complete it. The scenario given to us was to 'bolster the defenses of the re-captured outpost in anticipation of an enemy attack as much as possible within 72 hours’.

With such a vague goal, there's no problem thinking about what's necessary to defend the border and expanding the outpost accordingly. If anything, Godorfun would rejoice at our work.

We're going to have the 4th scenario after the 36 hours mark for sure, and the 5th scenario will definitely be a defensive battle. We don't need to take every scenario of that geezer too seriously. It’ll only pressure our side in this war of attrition! Anyway, we're going to proceed with my plan no matter what!"

Bester's expression tethered on the edge of horror— or using the analogy from a manga, it was like his soul had slipped out of his mouth, as he came to a complete standstill when I conclusively announced the roadmap for the second scenario as its leader.