Leader Meeting

After taking a break and training again with a group of similar size, we tried it out. Our coordination seemed to improve, as the extermination speed was faster than before. There were some minor injuries from gaps in armor, but they were quickly healed with divine magic. The wind magic itself wasn't used much—only a few times. It was within acceptable limits.

"Woah. This is completely different from the beginning. So much easier?"

Fia's expression brightened as if she had more confidence now.

"It's different from when I was following my father's instructions. You have to make your own judgments and act on them, right?"

Riz seemed thoughtful but also happy.

The image of coordination was mostly clear. Considering fatigue, we switched to ambush tactics from here on. Training with the same scale a few times tomorrow should be fine.

We repeated ambushes several times. Among them were goblins that had been hunting in groups, so we divided them up a few times.

"Still too few."

"Yeah."

Riz nodded as well. It felt like there was a primitive hierarchy among them, with the top gathering food. Such an impression came to mind.

"So, the leader of this group is ruling over them like a ruler?"

"It's amazing that he can control 400 just with his strength alone."

Riz said.

"There's no point in thinking about it now. What we need to do right now is reduce their numbers and buy time until the knight squadron arrives."

After that, we proceeded as usual, exterminating them. With some confidence, we ended today at a nice 100. Honestly, my legs were sore. Even though they were well-fitted boots, I could feel some signs of blisters. Proof of inexperience.
The two of them? They're full of energy again today. I wish they'd share some of that energy. Old man can't keep up.

Using "vigilance," we left the forest and returned to the village.

On our way back, at the edge of the field, a group that looked like engineers were in the process of setting up a temporary camp. Well, it was just tents and a simple fence. Guards were patrolling around them. It must be the advance team arriving.

Using those fences for the village's defense might come up in discussion, but those are military supplies. They're public property with clear uses. We can't permanently use them for the village's defense. Additionally, they’re meant to be reused and burned if they become unusable. Their purposes are thoroughly decided from the start.

The village's defense is simple. Give up, letting them loot the crops and retreat to the church. Though, that stone wall—more like a stone embankment—is climbable. I could probably get over it myself. But as a delaying tactic, it works. In the worst case, if they climb over, we can knock them off with long poles or have Ast use a bow for counterattacks. At times like this, people who are regularly involved in combat are strong.

Returning to the guild and heading to the front desk:

"Completion fee is 300,000 for 100 goblins. Is that okay?"

The completion number has reached its limit. We could level up to 8th grade anytime, but it's not possible right now.

We distributed 75,000 each to everyone. The party funds exceeded 200,000 in four parts. That’s one-fifth of a farmer's annual income. Even with bonuses, it's an abnormal amount for a few days' work.

Fia was so happy she pinched her cheeks. Compared to the earnings from farming vegetables, which is only a few hundred per day, this is unimaginable. Riz had a mixed expression of joy and contemplation about the future—half and half.

As we were leaving the front desk, someone spoke up. It seems there was a meeting for party leaders who are currently gathered. I thought it was sudden, but apparently, it was announced earlier in the morning. It backfired because I had been going straight to the forest recently. There was still some time left. They would hold a debriefing session at the entrance today.

While talking, someone called out from behind. It was almost time. I asked the girls to train themselves with just the two of them, including coordination strengthening.

When we entered the room, 13 people were waiting. Looking around, Deed and Harthis were seated in the front. I took a seat as the last one, and Deed stood up.

"I'm Deed. 7th grade. For now, we're the only ones at 7th grade. I'll take charge. If anyone has complaints, speak up."

Everyone nodded.

"Then, let's have the guild explain the outcome of this matter."

As Deed sat down, Harthis stood up and began his explanation.

It seems that regarding the other 7th grade parties, they are busy with escort missions or separate requests and couldn't make it in time. The explanation of the outcome, confidentiality agreements, and talks about exercises for improved coordination proceeded.

Those at 8th grade, who seem experienced, repeatedly asked questions about rewards, coordination, and their own strategies, aligning their images accordingly. Those with a bit of a green face, probably 9th-grade leaders, looked like they wanted to escape. But it's too late now that they're here.

Regarding the reward, it was explained that the number of goblins recognized as exterminated and the command individuals would be based on the current level plus one for each participant. Also, to avoid disputes over killed goblins, either cut off their noses or mark specific places. If both claim the kill, it's up for discussion, but generally, whoever delivered the finishing blow has priority.

Cutting off just the nose or marking just a spot (without killing) — commonly called hyena behavior — is considered a violation of manners and is despised. If you're rumored to have done this, adventurers are as good as finished. Generally, cases where neither party claims the kill are more common. Despite their rough image, they’re serious about their work. After all, they have to trust each other on the battlefield. Without minimal trust, it's impossible to proceed.

When the discussion moved to actual exercise plans, I raised my hand as well.

"Akihiro from 9th grade. I received instructions from the guild and took measures accordingly."

In recent days, we've been hunting goblins by the hundreds, so I explained the details of that. Regarding coordination against groups, I also mentioned the importance of spacing between individual parties. The experienced 8th graders nodded in understanding. Many 9th graders didn’t quite get it yet. The difference in experience directly affects one's ability to visualize strategies.

I felt a bit of unease about this. However, there’s no escaping once you’re on the battlefield. Rumors stick, and the guild keeps records. No matter what job you take, your guild evaluation follows you.

"Assume a 10-meter width for the formation. Move in units of 10 meters based on signals."

Harthis continued his explanation.

"The signals will be bells and drums this time."

A long bell signal means advance, short bell means retreat, long drum signal means move left, and short drum signal means move right. After moving 10 meters, stop until the sound stops and another signal is given after a pause. Guild members will relay the benchmarks from behind. Since we’re not professional soldiers, this level of coordination is as far as we can go.

After that, various precautions were mentioned, and important points were stressed. The coordination training would be tomorrow. Delays could lead to casualties, but it’s unavoidable.

The meeting ended, and everyone started leaving one by one.

I caught Harthis at the end to ask him some questions.

Only about four more parties are likely to make it on time, along with several dozen 8th and 9th grade individuals. The frontline is expected to have around 50 as planned, with prepared forces divided into roles and waiting in reserve. Those injured or unable to fight will be sent back by 9th grade individuals not part of the combat force, following guild instructions for personnel replenishment.

Regarding deployment, Deed and the top 8th graders will secure the flanks. The rear must be thoroughly protected to prevent being surrounded. The center will be occupied by our party and 8th-grade strongholds. Honestly, it’s a fierce battle zone, but there’s no one else for the job. In between, 8th and 9th graders will be placed based on their strength.

"Honestly, I can’t take care of everyone around me?"

Harthis nodded.

After that, I agreed to his request to act as scouts as a specialized reconnaissance party after the commander is exterminated. With so many people gathered, someone will need to do the job.

With that, we left the guild, and it was already getting dark.

I hurried home.

The faint chirping of insects from the grass felt soothing.