Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World
Chapter 130

Chapter 130.1. The Third Year at the Academy - Rapzel Town (1)

After my match, Radikel won the championship as expected.

In the finals, he faced Prenas Clatt, a fifth-year from Kaltiral, who had led the upperclassmen's referee team during the recent joint exercises.

Clatt, true to his knightly lineage, challenged Radikel with a classic style and put up a good fight, though ultimately, he fell short.

The next day, I started early, going around Breos Trading Company and general stores to buy materials for alchemical solutions.

I already had enough prepared, but I wanted to be cautious.

For some time now, I've been crafting magical tools both at home and in my room at Rackendale.

While I can respond quickly from home, if Rackendale runs out of supplies, my instructor might step in and replenish them himself. I can't rely on him too much.

The decision to work in two locations stemmed from my own growth.

My current [Magical Tool Creation] skill is at Rank 6, surpassing ordinary craftsmen and reaching a level of mastery.

Of course, capability and experience are two different things, so the numbers shouldn't be taken at face value. Rackendale is a prime example.

With the derivative skill [Magical Tool Sublimation] now unlocked, I can refine low-tier tools with high success rates. However, the broader range of choices has made the process more mentally taxing, especially when trying to maximize the potential of magic stones and materials. Some magic metals and stones are particularly demanding.

When I casually mentioned this in passing, Rackendale suggested, "Then why not work here?"

Though he was likely eager to observe up close, I appreciated the immediate advice.

Even Cody eagerly offered to help, so I decided to take them up on their offer.

Since then, I've handled complex materials at Rackendale's place while doing alchemy solution preparation and simpler tasks at home.

Having secured alchemy materials and picked up some daily necessities, I headed down the main street toward home.

As I walked, the sound of commotion reached my ears.

A crowd had gathered near the north gate.

At first, I thought it might be an accident or a monster attack, but something felt off.

The onlookers were watching from a distance, their expressions tinged with confusion.

As I got closer, the situation became clearer.

The guards at the gate were in a standoff with a group of refugees.

The reason for the dispute was puzzling.

Unless they tried to settle without permission, there are no restrictions on refugees entering Selene.

The group was already inside the gate. It was unusual for this to happen so early in the morning.

While I watched, one of the guards noticed my gaze and turned around.

It was a familiar face—Kinel Sabrois.

The commander himself had come to handle the disturbance.

Kinel focused on me, called out to his subordinates, and walked over.

People around whispered, "The commander," and "The council member's..."

Whatever he wanted, this wasn't the best place for it.

Kinel seemed to agree and motioned toward a nearby alley.

I nodded and followed him.

"My grandson owes you a debt of gratitude."

Once the area was cleared, Kinel spoke abruptly.

It seemed his business was about Talvit.

Understandable—consulting me about refugees wouldn't make much sense.

I shook my head slightly.

"I didn't do anything. Talvit has been training with young adventurers. I've had no part—"

"But it was your influence that made it happen. He holds you in very high regard. That's a fact."

I guess he saw the finals.

Although he seemed to be complimenting me, his deeply lined face betrayed no hint of a smile.

Perhaps the weight of his position as commander had hardened his expression.

A role with such responsibility is no easy burden.

"Talvit is exceptional. He was already beyond an average warrior when I met him."

"Yet he was much weaker than he is now. Losing to you lit a fire in him. He was too strong for his own good from a young age. Someone had to humble him—not an adult, but a peer."

Kinel's face softened slightly, revealing the look of a proud grandfather.

It was true; during the exercises, Talvit ignored the senior students' instructions completely.

He likely behaved the same way with anyone he faced.

Still, it wasn't my accomplishment.

Had he stayed the same, no matter how strong, Ted and the others wouldn't have taken him along on missions.

The reason things are good between them now is Talvit's own efforts to improve.

In the end, it's up to the individual to make the most of any opportunity.

I think I said something similar to Katie.

Accepting Kinel's gratitude for now, I shifted the topic.

"So, what's the commotion about?"

Kinel's expression turned grim again, his lines deepening.

"They're refugees from Rapzel. The town suffered heavy damage, and they've come to Selene seeking aid."

"Was this on Earl Wolber's orders?"

"No, the townsfolk came on their own. Even if Wolber asked, we wouldn't intervene in the conflict."

Kinel shook his head wearily.

Rapzel is a town to the northeast.

Given the number of refugees, the damage must have been severe.

"Looks like the situation could destabilize for a while."

"Let's hope not. It seems Lord Shmel didn't make it in time."

A name surfaced in my memory.

"Klaus Shmel?"

"Yes. He left Selene a few days ago. If he manages to push back Taklaz, the refugee influx should stop. But this is just speculation. Forget I said anything."

Kinel abruptly ended the conversation.

With his business concluded, his eyes shifted away.

I turned to leave, then paused.

This was a good opportunity to confirm something.

"Have you heard from the Guild about the girl?"

"The girl... so that was your doing too."

"If you could keep an eye on her, it would mean a lot."

"Leave it to me. She's free now."

Kinel's assurance was firm and unwavering.

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Back home, I set my bags down and brewed some General's Tea in the living room.

Savoring the faint aroma, I replayed the earlier scenes and conversation in my mind.

There have been skirmishes between Wolber and Taklaz before.

Ted and the others are victims of such clashes, but never has it escalated to the point of making the town a battlefield.

The regular army is undoubtedly involved.

Whether it's justified or not, Taklaz seems to have their reasons.

More concerning is the impact on Selene.

The refugee influx has already grown significantly.

If the situation worsens, it will strain not only public safety but also the economy—on a scale far beyond mere road disruptions.

I sighed softly, recalling Kinel's deeply lined face.

To protect its residents, the council might move to expel the refugees.

Rulers are often forced to make harsh decisions.

Governance is driven solely by compassion risks endless saturation and eventual collapse.

If Klaus has taken action, the conflict might soon settle.

But can one man handle something of this scale?

"Maybe I should take a look..."

I'll be leaving Selene soon.

This conflict might leave lingering effects, and I want to see them firsthand.

There are still magic demonstrations and mock battles to attend, but I have enough time.

Regardless of my future position, I'll inevitably face conflicts among humans.

It's something I need to understand.

Heading upstairs, I changed into my cloth armor and strapped on the Horned Rhino Sword at my waist.

While I had most of my adventuring gear on hand, some personal items were left at Rackendale's, so I prepared substitutes.

Next, I rummaged through a pouch of accessories, pulling out gloves, a ring, and a bracelet.

Normally, I'd equip low-tier magical tools, but this time I chose enhancements.

"I want to prioritize speed but also minimize baggage. Let's go with agility and strength."

Donning the gloves and hanging a necklace around my neck, my strength rose to 18, and my agility to 25.

I also had a brooch, but it conflicted with the Rabbit Pendant. The choice was obvious.

Incidentally, most adventurers don't fully equip enhancement tools because the costs outweigh the benefits.

Low-tier enhancements are affordable, but gloves wear out quickly, and other accessories are prone to damage in intense battles.

Including durability or repair enhancements drives up the price significantly.

Thus, adventurers typically stick to necklaces or bracelets and use minor boosts.

Investing in weapons or scrolls is generally more practical.

Only magical tool craftsmen like me can afford to stack enhancements without concern for wear and tear.

Packing extra healing potions, I went downstairs and left a note on the small shelf by the door: "Out for a bit."

"Take care of the place."

The two wooden boards spun in response to my words.

Returning to the main street, I found Kinel Sabrois gone, likely leaving his subordinates to handle things.

The guards were managing the desperate refugees.

I understand their plight, but Selene has maintained its autonomy for centuries by staying isolated.

Even if commanded by the emperor, the council making unilateral moves risks inviting noble interference.

Passing through the refugees, I presented my adventurer's license to the gate guard and left Selene.

While walking through the refugee settlement, I heard another commotion.

Looking over, I saw several people grappling and exchanging blows.

Another brawl.

The guards were already stretched thin and couldn't handle incidents outside the gates.

Not that it's my responsibility to step in.

As I debated, a figure suddenly intervened, swiftly subduing the brawlers.

A second figure appeared, drawing a sheathed short sword and pointing it at one man, who froze in shock.

"There are rules here. Don't push your luck, old man."

"Ted, Jemma! There's another fight over there!"

"Got it."

Called by what seemed to be a senior refugee, the two darted off.

They seemed capable enough to manage things.

Shifting my gaze, I continued toward Rapzel Town.

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