Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World
Chapter 181

Chapter 181. The Gathering

Carving through the grasslands with a load of segmented Crackle on my back, we took a brief rest before stepping into the depths of the forest.

Sarhas was his birthplace, and Phil and I were accustomed to it, but Miranda and Tess flinched at every bird taking flight and trembled when branches fell.

Even so, as time passed, their tension gradually eased.

Perhaps it wasn't just familiarity with the environment—they'd realized they were backed by formidable allies.

Goblin packs that drew near were annihilated by Phil before they could close in, while the Nudrooks that came bounding out were intercepted with offensive magic via [Reference Point] and [Multi-Cast]. And as Sarhas diligently collected magic stones from the fallen Nudrooks, even finishing them off when necessary.

Witnessing such a scene, it'd be foolish to stay tense.

Thanks to that, our pace quickened, but the forest's ruggedness didn't vanish.

The only reason monsters even caught up was because we matched the slower two's speed. Not that this area posed much threat, but the encounter rate felt slightly higher.

When I checked with Phil, it seemed the goblins hadn't used magic or skills.

Either they hadn't had the chance or they'd drifted in from the grasslands.

Whichever it was, the neutral zone was shrinking further. The day adventurers wandered these woods again might not be far off.

As we pressed on, avoiding monsters where possible, the dappled sunlight began to fade.

The deep forest swallowed the sun in an instant. Even without that, the shadows beneath the towering canopies had already thickened.

Reaching our destination by nightfall seemed unlikely.

When I asked if we should camp while moving, they unanimously insisted on continuing, so I handed Miranda a lantern for the time being.

Then, warning them to watch their footing, I activated [Light] to illuminate our surroundings.

Amid the swaying lantern glow and pale-blue light, we clambered over gnarled roots, detoured around boulders and low cliffs, and pressed forward.

As darkness deepened, nocturnal monsters stirred.

While I listened for distant howls, Miranda and Tess clung to each other, their faces stiff with fear.

That was an Ogre's intimidation roar.

Likely clashing with something, but it was far off and in a different direction.

Just as I was about to urge the two to keep close, I sensed something approaching rapidly.

A hollow presence—they were using [Stealth].

Phil glanced that way too but soon lost interest and turned away.

No surprise—it was just a Quid.

Their presence had paused at a distance, scanning, but upon recognizing us, they dropped [Stealth] and approached.

Sarhas half-drew a dagger before releasing the hilt.

"Not so much a welcome as us tripping their警戒 net, I suppose."

"They must've noticed the lantern and [Light]. But patrolling this far out?"

"With monsters gradually increasing, they've been wary of adventurers intruding. Even while you were away, Lord Alter, some hunters encountered a Declama pack."

Nodding, I pictured the brown-furred apes.

"First time seeing them around here."

"Rare, but not unheard of. From anywhere in the Empire, heading far enough south leads to this forest."

True enough. Creatures considered western monsters in Seren were connected here via the woods.

The real issue was monster packs, but even actively hunting them had limits. Worst case, we'd have to kill adventurers.

As I reminisced, touching the Swiftwind Scimitar, the Quid emerged from the forest's shadows.

After exchanging greetings, I learned they'd indeed spotted our lights, mistaking us for approaching adventurers.

While walking, I received reports from the Quid about their activities in my absence, and soon their subordinates appeared, greeted us, then hurried ahead to announce our return.

Likely why the entire group had gathered in the clearing before the labyrinth.

"Welcome back, Lord Alter."

Haimes bowed at the front, followed by Rizai and the others, as if remembering belatedly.

They seemed aware of Miranda and Tess's presence too, as the beastmen's gazes subtly gathered.

Though the atmosphere wasn't exactly welcoming.

The details of their acceptance could wait. Introductions first.

Running a hand over the rocky surface, I conveyed my return to Mei, then called the two over.

"Let me introduce you. This is Mei."

Miranda and Tess stared at the dark cave entrance, then exchanged glances.

Understandable—they wouldn't recognize Mei in her current state, unlike when we first met.

"This is a labyrinth. Due to certain circumstances, we're in a cooperative relationship. Mei is my equal, so treat her with respect."

Though bewildered, the two nodded at my words.

"We'll discuss details later. There's something I need to do first, so wait here."

"Y-yes. Understood."

Returning their bows with a nod, I entered the labyrinth.

My absence had dragged on longer than expected, but nothing seemed amiss.

The hall was cluttered with miscellaneous goods, and in one corner lay the young Erras Rhino's bedding.

The unfamiliar item was likely a desk.

Haimes seemed to use it for administrative work, its vine-bound surface piled with parchment.

Crouching to inspect it, I saw the "desk" was just thick branches lashed together with vines—a makeshift creation. The village's support hadn't included carpentry tools. Impressive work with just knives and hand axes.

Standing with admiration, I headed deeper, feeling a chill envelop me.

Sarhas hadn't mentioned anything, and Mei showed no urgency, but the cold air against my skin made me reflexively sigh in relief.

At the innermost entrance, I brushed off the journey's grime, knelt before my family's resting place, and recounted my travels.

Though I'd strayed at times, I'd nearly accomplished all I could—and must—do.

Now, finally, the next phase: research on revival elixirs and solidifying our foundation.

After finishing my report, I added fresh ice, cooled it with [Icefrost], then withdrew.

Back in the hall, Haimes awaited me.

"That earlier matter concerns me."

Unsure which "matter," I tilted my head.

"About the circumstances of welcoming those two."

"Ah, that. I'll explain to everyone shortly—"

"Unnecessary. Regardless of individual feelings or standings, you are this place's master, Lord Alter. Denying your decisions without just cause is unacceptable."

Spotting cold resolve in his eyes, I hesitated.

He'd long disapproved of the beastmen's attitudes.

While understandable, Haimes was right—each had their role. Rizai's group revered Sarhas, while the Quid's men belonged to the beastmen village. The village seemed to consider itself part of the labyrinth's forces, but in truth, we were a patchwork collective.

Proof being, Haimes had been the first to bow earlier, with Rizai's group only following suit.

Frankly, I didn't particularly care.

What I'd wanted was Haimes himself. Of course, Sarhas pledging loyalty was welcome, but the rest were just swept along. As long as they didn't interfere, their attitudes mattered little.

Or so I'd thought—but welcoming Miranda and Tess seemed to have shifted the atmosphere. They'd feel unwelcome, and letting tensions escalate would be troublesome.

Glancing subtly behind me, I pictured my silent family.

I'd studied statecraft in classrooms and Seren—understanding it was one thing, practice another.

I couldn't act like my father or brother, nor were our goals the same.

Rulers prioritized their house and lands; my priority was my family's revival.

Well, no use complaining.

Having accepted them, I should act before problems arose.

Returning my gaze to Haimes, I spoke.

"Let me try my way first. If that fails, I'll take appropriate measures."

"Understood."

Nodding, I instructed Haimes to gather everyone and returned to the depths.

Rummaging through potion ingredients piled along the wall, I selected several small bags and carried them back.

Then, to maintain a lordly facade, I handed them to Haimes and exited the labyrinth.

Rizai's group clustered around Sarhas, while the Quid's men stood apart, receiving reports. Miranda and Tess waited near the entrance, huddled together until my return.

Gesturing them over, I distributed the bags Haimes carried.

"These are potion ingredients. All edible, but Tess's batch can upset your stomach in large doses. Use them sparingly for flavor."

"Then…?"

"You've been traveling nonstop and missed dinner, right? Use any of these freely. Oh, and make extra—it'll cover breakfast tomorrow too."

At "extra," Miranda's expression tightened.

Likely already sensing the tense air, she nodded solemnly and began sampling the ingredients.

Meanwhile, I called Sarhas and the Quid to assist her.

Watching the beastmen gather utensils and ingredients, I wondered if my request was unreasonable.

Most ingredients were meat, supplemented by foraged greens, a few dried fruits, and rock salt. Fancy dishes might be impossible, but amateurs and professionals differed even in how they grilled meat. Given her skills at surviving in Ramlon Trading with her son, she'd manage.

Soon, a menu was decided, and with Tess and the beastmen's help, preparations began.

Leaning against the rocky wall by the entrance, I observed.

It was already late. Time was as scarce as ingredients. How would she handle it?

Suddenly, a loud noise echoed through the forest.

Ah, finally awake?

From the darkness emerged a massive rhinoceros.

As Miranda and Tess froze, the beast charged at me. I activated [Physical Up] but failed to brace fully, getting sent flying.

"Lord Alter?!"

Miranda and Tess screamed, while the others watched with wry smiles.

I was literally sent flying—couldn't they at least pretend to worry?

Redirecting the next charge with my whole body, I patted its face soothingly.

That seemed to wake it fully. The young Erras Rhino halted its assault, nuzzling its massive head against me.

"Should've woken you earlier, but you were sleeping so soundly."

Chuckling, I stroked its cheek, then glanced at the still-petrified Miranda and Tess.

"A monster rhinoceros, Erras Rhino. Still a kid, believe it or not. Usually docile, but… best keep your distance when it's groggy. Doesn't know its own strength."

At my warning, the two nodded repeatedly, heads bobbing.

Afterward, I led it to drink at the clearing's edge, away from the cooking, and fed it torn grass.

Soon, a savory aroma began wafting.

Even the other beastmen, who'd seemed skeptical, now stared hungrily despite having already eaten.

This much was expected, but—had that drawn attention too?

Phil seemed to notice, gazing into the forest.

"Sorry, go on ahead. I'll catch up."

Stray Ogres, lured by the scent, had entered the neutral zone.

With the Quid's men gathered, no one was patrolling. Normally, they'd have been dealt with earlier.

The Quid noticed too but held back, waiting as Phil and I pursued with the Erras Rhino.

By the time we arrived, three headless Ogres already lay scattered.

Thanking Phil, I retrieved their magic stones, had the Erras Rhino carry the corpses, and returned to the clearing.

Then, as a belated—or rather, very late—supper, I tossed them into the labyrinth.

Even with smoother walls, its feeding method remained unchanged.

Spikes impaled each Ogre, dragging them into the floor. A violent spectacle, no matter how often seen.

Incidentally, Mei couldn't summon spikes freely.

Like human saliva, they only emerged when sensing corpses to consume, making them unusable for offense. Luring enemies into a corpse-filled chamber might trigger them, but that'd require exceptional bait.

Receiving Mei's satisfaction and gratitude, Tess came to fetch me.

Furs were spread by the campfire, with Crackle meat, soup, and more laid out. A smaller fur beside it marked Phil's spot, while the beastmen lined up, awaiting me.

Guided by Tess, I took my seat, raised a cup, and surveyed the group.

"Food's served. Only water to drink, but ask if you need more. Now, enough delay—let's eat."

At my signal, they all dug in.

Biting into meat, cheering, then biting again.

Watching them, I reached for Crackle meat—then paused at the side dish.

Diagonal-cut, elongated… something, deep-fried.

Unmistakably resembled fancy potato fries.

One bite confirmed it—the blend of animal fat and herbs created a complex flavor.

Nostalgic. Far higher quality, but it felt like junk food after so long.

"Does it not suit your taste?"

Noticing my reaction, Miranda looked anxious.

"Opposite. Delicious. Since when did we have potatoes?"

"Cultra."

Sarhas answered in her stead.

A root vegetable cultivated in the beastmen village, apparently. Only the thinnest roots were discarded—seeds were ground into flour, leaves and stems stir-fried or added to soups. Hardy and prolific, it yielded reliably even when other crops failed, making it a staple.

For long trips, dried Cultra was carried, but this time the Quid's men had brought fresh supplies, which Miranda had borrowed.

But such a versatile vegetable? Never seen in imperial territories, nor had [Appraisal] flagged it in the forest.

"Could we grow it here?"

"Difficult. Cultra thrives in mud. Near a stream, perhaps."

"Explains why I've never spotted it."

Nodding, I savored the crisp texture.

Mud-grown, like lotus roots? A similar variety, perhaps. I'd love to cultivate it, but farming far from base was too risky.

As I pondered, Miranda added more Cultra fries to my plate.

Couldn't eat just those, though, so I turned to the Crackle.

Likely accounting for beastmen preferences, she'd pan-fried it. The firm skin gave way to surprising tenderness beneath, seasoned simply with salt and herbs, elevating plain meat.

Seeing my approving nod, Miranda relaxed and brought four wooden bowls.

"Sprinkle these to change the flavor. As you prefer."

Different salt-herb blends, it seemed.

Rizai's group dove in first, sparking debates over which was best. Meanwhile, Miranda and Tess grilled more meat, shifting to boar and venison once Crackle ran out.

The clearing was livelier than ever, but without alcohol, the feast couldn't last.

Once satiation brought calm, I broached the topic of the two.

Their first meeting, reunion after three years.

Initially casual listeners grew indignant at the nobles' injustice, then deeply impressed by Miranda's resolve and culinary skill.

Words alone might've bred skepticism, but her demonstrated prowess preempted doubt.

Finally, explaining their liberation and acceptance drew no opposition—only welcome, sympathy, and anger toward the knights who'd wronged them.

Not the hierarchy Haimes envisioned, but wielding authority would've denied them fair recognition.

This settled half the matter. Now, my turn.

◇◇◇◇

By dawn, everyone was ready outside.

Phil used the Rivulet Necklace at the reservoir by the entrance while the Erras Rhino waited for water to pool.

Following laughter, I spotted Miranda chatting with two beastmen as they prepped breakfast—Quid's subordinates who'd helped cook yesterday.

A peaceful early-summer morning.

Watching silently, I was soon approached by Sarhas and the Quid.

"Good morning."

"Last night's Ogres were strays. Tracking their footprints revealed no settlement."

"Good news. Keep eliminating any we find. Also, stay alert for Nudrooks and Declama—they're fast."

"Understood."

As Sarhas and the Quid acknowledged, I changed topics.

"Abrupt, but gather everyone. Fully equipped, including lookouts."

"Fully equipped—?"

"Yes."

At my firm nod, the two relayed orders, puzzled but compliant.

Miranda and Tess paused their work, while Phil watched curiously from the Erras Rhino.

Soon, the Quid's men armed themselves, Rizai's group took up swords seized from Torpus Salt Mine guards, and all assembled before me.

"As you know, the neutral zone's shrinking rapidly. Last night, Ogres neared the labyrinth. Danger will only increase. Thus, today's training."

At "training," they exchanged confused glances.

They sparred regularly—why now?

Smirking, I continued.

"Which means—today, you fight me."

Most were baffled, but Sarhas and the Quid stiffened.

My past spar with Sarhas had ended in my victory, but neither of us had gone all-out. This time, I needed their full strength—anything less was pointless.

Perhaps sensing my intent, Sarhis spoke gravely.

"Standard sparring rules?"

"No. Come at me to kill. I'll hold back just enough to make it a fight. Full power would end it instantly."

Sarhas nodded, while the Quid's men sighed in relief.

Those who'd accompanied me to Jisero knew my true strength, but Rizai's group was clueless, scowling irritably.

Without proof, they'd dismiss it as excuses.

Pointing at the forest, I fired [Water Bullet] into a nearby tree.

As all watched the shower of leaves, I marked them with [Reference Point] and pierced them with [Multi-Cast Shock Bolt].

Over a dozen lightning strikes later, Rizai's group gaped.

"If I wished, [Multi-Cast Fireball] could raze this entire area. Let's be clear—only Phil here can fight me at full power."

Mentioned, Phil spun proudly atop the Erras Rhino.

Grinning, I added:

"So I'll impose limits. No attack magic, offensive skills, or weapons. Ah, and no magics repurposed for offense, like [Earth Wall]. Only support skills, magic, and physical ability."

Now they looked insulted, even Sarhas showing displeasure.

But even this wouldn't make it fair. Just ten opponents, none magic-capable, with mediocre skills. Only Sarhas might keep up with [High-Speed Movement].

"May we have time to prepare?"

Sarhas requested strategizing time, which I granted.

While they huddled, I sent Miranda and Tess into the labyrinth and had Phil lead the Erras Rhino inside.

As the massive frame vanished, Sarhas's group returned.

"Apologies for the wait."

"Then let's begin. The signal—"

"I'll give it."

Turning, I saw Haimes at the labyrinth's entrance, flanked by Miranda and Tess, with Phil seated at their feet.

Even the Erras Rhino, supposedly inside, peered out curiously.

Pushing them into danger seemed risky, but Phil's presence reassured me.

At my nod, Haimes stepped forward.

"This training match begins now. Lord Alter is unarmed. All others may use any means of attack. Should Lord Alter be injured or killed, no blame shall fall upon the attackers. Understood?"

With unanimous nods, Haimes raised a hand.

"Then—begin!"

At the signal, all moved at once.

I activated [High-Speed Movement], [Physical Up], and [Moving Up] simultaneously, layering [Reference Point] as I surveyed them.

Sarhas led the vanguard, Rizai's group behind, the Quid's men encircling me at a distance. Planning to pin me with Sarhas? Sound tactics.

Observing the rotating markers, I suddenly sensed the Quid's men fading—then arrows loosed from all sides.

Rizai's group charged in sync, but their coordination was slapdash.

Flustered by near-misses, their formation crumbled. Combat inexperience and lack of trust in their archers.

Batting aside arrows with my palms, I twisted past strikes.

Five archers, yet seven arrows.

The Quid and another had used [Rapid Shot]. A practical skill, but arrow-intensive—hunters like Nerio preferred pure accuracy over volume.

Dodging Rizai's strike, I countered with a palm thrust, avoided Seghet's low sweep, and uppercut him with a backfist.

Nargus, leveraging his bulk, lunged next, but I drove an elbow into his ribs, then swiftly downed Esin and Ulk hiding behind him.

Eliminating Rizai's group took roughly five seconds.

The rear line froze at losing half their number, but the Quid barked orders, restarting their advance.

Glancing their way, I focused on Sarhas before me.

"With you, they'd have lasted longer."

"You told us to come to kill."

The instant Sarhas smiled, his aura shifted.

His body swelled slightly, ear-covering fur and clawed hands elongating.

His eyes shed their calm, flooding with ferocity.

True [Beast Transformation]. Far cry from my imitation.

Growling softly, Sarhas kicked off the ground.

Enhanced physical ability? He closed the gap faster, unleashing a thrust.

I twisted aside, only for [Double Strike] and [Palm Strike] to flow seamlessly forth.

Masterful skill chaining, minimizing telegraphing. Marcant was skilled, but Sarhas surpassed him.

Impressed, I deflected or dodged his barrage.

As the exchange continued, I grasped [Beast Transformation]'s nature.

Sarhas couldn't fully suppress its savagery.

Hence avoiding combat with Rizai's group present, while the Quid's men held back to avoid collateral. Powerful, but unwieldy—usable only solo or in controlled chaos.

Regardless, it couldn't match my [High-Speed Movement].

Or so I thought—until Sarhas's rhythm faltered momentarily.

A telegraphed but blindingly fast thrust—[Piercing Stab].

Flawless, but still evadable.

Dodging easily, I drove an elbow into his brow, the recoil jarring his feral focus.

[Piercing Stab]—a mid-tier thrust skill, less penetrative than [Spiral Pierce] but faster. Suited to Sarhas, but surely not his finisher.

As predicted, even as he crumpled, his fist clenched.

Instantly, [Danger Sense] flared.

I leaped back, but the chill persisted.

Kicking sideways, something whipped past, ruffling my hair.

An invisible strike—

Hearing a tree shatter behind me, I marveled anew at Sarhas's prowess.

The telegraphed [Piercing Stab] baited a counter, setting up [Shockwave]. Even [Appraisal] couldn't fully gauge its range. Without [Danger Sense], I'd have taken it.

And he'd anticipated even that evasion.

Maintaining his stance, Sarhas pursued like a shadow.

But his cards were spent. No further tricks.

Meeting his [Double Strike] with palm strikes to gut and jaw, I roundhouse-kicked his temple as his [Kicking Blade] arced toward me.

The decisive blow sent Sarhas crashing silently.

"Only you all left."

At my taunt, the Quid's men scrambled to reposition.

Realizing close combat was hopeless, they opted for ranged attacks.

I could've waited for their arrows to exhaust, but that'd waste time.

Switching to offense, I picked them off one by one. The Quid resisted briefly but, compared to Sarhas, was outmatched. Soon, he too fell unconscious, ending the match.

"Well fought."

At Haimes's words, Miranda approached with a cup.

Quenching my thirst with general's tea, I turned to Sarhas.

"Impressive."

"That invisible attack…?"

"Mid-tier martial skill [Shockwave]. A mana-infused strike, but wider-ranged than I'd thought."

As we chatted, Sarhas stirred.

Shaking his head, he bowed to me.

"Total defeat."

"Nah, you hit me."

"Barely grazed my hair. Utter defeat."

Yet he smiled refreshingly.

"Think what you will. So, that was [Beast Transformation]? Wanted to see it someday."

As I shared impressions, he admitted its difficulty.

Overheightened aggression made skill activation hard for novices, some even losing friend-foe distinction. Through sheer will and training, Sarhas controlled it, but stress or lapses risked indiscriminate violence.

"You wield [Beast Transformation] constantly, even layering magic. To me, that's unimaginable mental fortitude."

"My [Mental Resistance] is top-tier, but… mine's more like [Beastification]. Less aggression, maybe."

Sarhas nodded pensively, but stirring comrades ended our talk.

[Appraisal] confirmed no serious injuries, though some struggled to rise.

Helping them up, Sarhas soon had all lined before me.

Their eyes differed from pre-match—mostly fear, but also respect.

Beastmen gravitate toward strength—as Sarhas once said.

Had they been human, emotions would've been more complex. For better or worse, beastmen were straightforward.

"Sarhas's group joined from Torpus Salt Mine, the Quid's men were dispatched from the beastmen village, and now Miranda and Tess. With stability, it's time to clarify standings."

None objected, listening silently.

Pausing, I continued.

"Here, hierarchy is as follows: Haimes highest, then Sarhas, then the Quid. Follow their orders in my absence. Henceforth, Torpus's group is 'Sarhas's Unit,' the village's 'Quid's Unit.' For now, members share rank, but vice-captains inherit captain authority. Between vice-captains, Sarhas's Unit takes precedence. Captains choose their seconds—decide accordingly."

"Sir!"

Sarhas and the Quid acknowledged instantly.

No dissent from others, though the Quid's Unit's position was unique. Belonging to the village, they might not obey non-Quid superiors.

Opposition would signal village-labyrinth conflict. Ideally avoided, but if it arose, village relations might need reevaluation.

Noticing Sarhas eyeing Miranda and Tess, I added:

"What of their standing?"

"Directly under me. Rank-wise, equal to your units, but not your subordinates. Don't order them outside routine tasks. And a reminder: the Erras Rhino won't understand orders—consider it a pet. Lastly, Phil and Mei share my rank. Orders are unthinkable—mind your manners. Especially with Phil. She's not as forgiving as me."

Instantly, Phil pounced onto my head, smacking my forehead repeatedly.

Enduring her displeasure, I suddenly remembered.

"Ah, forgot something crucial. Not 'those two'—'her and him.'"

Explaining Tess's gender caused an uproar.

All eyes turned to the blushing Tess—even Haimes looked stunned.

Nostalgic reaction. Back then, the Battle Axe of Destruction, Sword of Silent, and Roland were there too.

Shoving down rising gloom, I surveyed them.

Mission accomplished. Whatever came next, we'd handle issues as they arose.