Chapter 96.3 - The Second Year at the Academy - Attacker on the Ranch (3)
The manager's story indicates that the initial damage dates back to eight days ago.
When security personnel heard the commotion and rushed to the scene, they found sheep killed inside the livestock barn.
Most of them were taken away, leaving only a part indicating the presence of sheep.
Three days later, the barn was attacked again.
This time, they were on alert, and they quickly arrived.
At that moment, they witnessed several small figures fleeing.
They swiftly crossed the pasture and disappeared into the woods with the stolen sheep.
Upon reaching the barn, which had become the crime scene, they found the wooden windows boarded up, and the entrance reinforced.
Currently, it seems to be in use for grazing as there are no livestock present.
It's been five days since the last attack.
Considering the movement of livestock and whether any traces were left, they stood in front of the barn, contemplating.
Meanwhile, Ted and the others scattered, starting to investigate the surroundings.
This kind of request seems to be a first.
It would be inconvenient to interfere.
They entrusted the barn to them, and I headed towards the grazing land.
Near the outer wall, they mainly graze in a leisurely manner.
In this area, a fence encloses a part of the grassland, and they graze within it.
There is no sign of growing crops, and it seems close to an untouched grassland.
The fence is about chest-high for adults, more for preventing the escape of cows and sheep than for repelling external threats.
Putting a hand on the fence, I gaze at the western forest.
The attackers must be lurking somewhere over there.
Will Hashou find something?
I crossed the fence and walked through the grazing land, considering the manager's story.
When it comes to small figures around Selen, they could be goblins or dekrama.
Judging by their agility, the latter is highly likely.
Exploring the grazing land based on memory, they discover it after a while.
It's fading, but undoubtedly, there are traces of fingers.
This shape—is decidedly dekrama.
In that case, C-rank is excessive firepower.
Depending on the number, even Ted and the others should be able to handle this request.
Well, only the creator god knows the truth.
The opportunity to ask that may never come.
"Isn't it that? The C-rank guys."
Lured by Ted's voice, I turned my gaze.
Exactly, four adventurers were coming out of the western forest.
They noticed us, and while talking about something, they walked towards us.
Three men and one woman, around the age of 20.
Is that Hashou?
Their party name is similar, but their actual strength is lower than those guys.
Judging by their skills, they are a balanced warrior, a light warrior, a scout, and a priest.
None of them can use attack magic, and the priestess only remembers support and healing.
Still, they have stable abilities, and their equipment is quite good.
Their party strength is around mid-level C-rank.
"What's up, you guys?" They stopped in front of us, and the balanced warrior at the front questioned.
"I'm a D-rank named Tenko. They are—"
"‘Serenade,' and I'm an E-rank named Serade!"
Suddenly, Ted introduced himself, and my words were cut off.
Glancing sideways, Ted and Gemma were proud, and Nails and Elliot were smiling.
"What's that? When did you decide?"
"A few days ago. It's not cool to be nameless forever, right?"
"Is that how it is?"
It's a psychology that soloists can't understand.
Once you register as a party, you are more likely to receive escort requests, and the leader's rank applies to everyone.
It's a story I'm not familiar with.
Well, if the cohesion increases, it's good.
They introduced themselves to each other again.
The balanced warrior, who seems to be the leader, is named Seques, the priest is Amber, the light warrior is Varner, and the scout is Velotte.
I had Nails stand in front of me and explained the situation.
"So, they intended to take the request, but couldn't because of E-rank. So, I, a D-rank, went on a business trip—"
"After we accepted it. I think it's unexpected, but do you want us to transfer the request?"