Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World -
Chapter 183
Chapter 183. Trial of the Superior
Wells are important, but for now, [Pure Water] can handle things.
If they overlap with the underground waterways, it'll be a problem. Sooner or later, we'll need to build warehouses and other residences too.
Where should we dig to avoid interference and maximize efficiency?
After consulting with Hymes and Sarhas, I decided to work on the Frost magic tool in the meantime.
That said, this isn't easy either.
With a Dexterity of 18, turning 1 into 2 is my forte, but creating something from 0 requires creativity and experience. The blacksmith Egil and the engraver Ragnidig are perfect examples—their abilities were around my current level or even lower, yet they crafted the masterpiece that is the Armored Rhino Sword. I can imitate, but creating from scratch without knowledge is nearly impossible.
Keeping Eshin's advice in mind, I revised the design repeatedly until satisfied, then sketched it onto the knife's handle and carefully carved it.
Due to budget and priority issues, I don't own luxuries like carving knives. My tools are a slash-enhanced knife and cheap utensils.
It was frustrating, but this is where Dexterity shines. By the day after next, I finished carving the design.Holding the knife up to the light, I examined the result.
The carving matched the design, but it didn't quite look like piled snow. You could argue it was late autumn. Coloring might help, but dyes were out of the question.
After some thought, I carved a snowflake onto the flat part of the pommel.
Perfect. No matter what anyone says, this is a very cold landscape. It'll make a fine Frost magic tool.
Once I stored the knife in my pouch, the [Light] illuminated a shimmer near the wall.
Inside a makeshift container made from a modified [Earth Shield] was a Healing Potion.
I mass-produced these for Rizai and the others in case of injuries during the Jisero mission, but most remained unused. Potions are treated as high-end goods, so they must've hesitated to use them.
Waste is bad, but being too frugal is its own problem.
After helping Zilv, I obtained fewer than ten, and the vials bought in Silveck were mostly reserved for Dudley. Healing potions are eating up inventory, and potion vials are running dry.
Maybe I should make my own?
I can build a kiln with Earth Magic. They're fragile and prone to cracking under heat, but I can repair them each time. Regular pottery doesn't require creativity, and I could even create vials directly with magic.
Well, there are solutions, so it can wait.
Or rather, it has to. The real issue is that alchemy solution is nearly depleted.
Alchemy solution requires two ingredients.
Ranima grass can be gathered nearby, but Sogrio fruit remains elusive.
They're available in Silveck and the northern forests, but both options take time and frequent trips into imperial territory. To avoid that, I fought in Jisero after heading to the Torpus Salt Mine. All that effort would go to waste.
Looks like I'll have to rely on the beastmen's village.
Quid and the others have their own potions. They must either have a Sogrio grove somewhere or cultivate it themselves.
The Frost magic tool, [Alchemy] training, revival potion research—without alchemy solution, none of it can begin.
As soon as I left the labyrinth to ask Quid, a lively shout greeted me.
In the sunset-drenched Depths Forest, beastmen were swinging their swords. They must've wrapped up work and were training before dinner.
Sarhas and Quid seemed to be instructing the younger ones, but the real surprise was their student—Tes.
Frankly, he's an ordinary kid.
His Charisma is exceptional at 16, but despite helping at the inn and tending livestock, his Strength and Endurance are below average. He's more like a city kid. Probably not cut out for physical labor.
I thought Tes knew that too, so seeing him wield a sword was unexpected.
As I watched his unsteady footwork, Sarhas called an end to the session.
The beastmen began putting away their wooden swords, and Sarhas spoke to Tes, who was sitting down.
Then, noticing my gaze, they approached with Quid.
"Quite the enthusiasm."
"It's a dangerous forest. If you can't take down an orc alone, you won't survive."
"The orcs here? Sounds rough."
Glancing over, I saw Urk offering water to Tes, still seated.
They're close in age. Maybe they've warmed up a bit.
Keeping my gaze steady, I asked Sarhas:
"How is he?"
"Not bad. With continued training, he might bloom. But…"
"His physical abilities are too low?"
As Sarhas nodded, Quid chimed in.
"If you want immediate combat strength, Urk's the one. He's quick and sharp—would make a good scout."
"That'd help. You can never have enough scouts."
While answering, I pictured Tes's father.
The opposite of Ronie. That guy had physical prowess but lacked talent with swords. Looks like Tes takes after his mother.
Anyway—this isn't about Miranda, and I didn't help him expecting anything. If he wants to be useful, I'd rather he learn skills and knowledge from Miranda or Hymes.
But that's his choice. Whatever the outcome, he should train until satisfied. Especially if he's living in this forest—it won't be wasted.
I shifted my gaze to Sarhas and Quid.
"There's another matter."
After briefly explaining, they agreed immediately about the potion vials but were puzzled about the Sogrio fruit.
Quid said that until a few months ago, and Sarhas in his youth, they'd gather it, but Sogrio trees were now rare.
Sarhas tilted his head.
"Never thought about it, but it is strange. Without it, you can't make alchemy solution."
"Cultivation?"
"None. We rely on foraging."
Quid's instant reply made me frown.
If so, the beastmen village should be low on potions, yet they always had them ready. No shortages reported either.
"Can't say for sure, but maybe they get it from another village."
"That makes sense. If they have surplus Sogrio fruit, could we get some? Hate to keep asking…"
"No, this might be perfect. I've been thinking of visiting the village soon."
"Something wrong?"
"Short on hands."
Quid scanned the group subtly as he spoke.
"Our patrol range is wider than expected. We're stretched thin, even with Rizai's help. We need more skilled scouts."
Nodding, I recalled Quid's earlier praise of Urk.
So that's why. Still, I can't poach Sarhas's precious scouts.
"Mind if I ask for reinforcements? I'll also check about the Sogrio fruit."
"By all means. Will you go?"
"Right away."
Quid bowed, turned, and called his subordinates.
Relief washed over their faces—patrolling day and night, even with Rizai's help, must've been exhausting.
After coordinating with Sarhas about the patrol handover, Quid left one behind for guard duty and construction support before departing the labyrinth with his team.
◇◇◇◇
Not long after seeing them off, I started digging the well.
The switchback path from when we raided Garenes's den would be ideal for maintenance, but without water, it'd waste mana.
I tried digging straight down in different spots.
After several misses, water finally gushed two days later at around ten meters.
But it was filthy.
Muddy water with weird bugs swimming in it. Stone walls or digging deeper might hit a cleaner vein, but honestly, I'm not sure. Stone walls are manageable, but deeper means heavier labor for drawing water.
Maybe it'll clear up if left alone, so I reinforced the walls with stone and added a switchback path for maintenance.
Just as I finished and took a breather, rain began—ironically.
The beastmen cheered, setting out pots and wooden plates to collect water while eagerly washing themselves.
Miranda and I watched with wry smiles, but the irony wasn't done.
The rain didn't stop—it intensified into a typhoon-like downpour by night.
The sound reached even the labyrinth's depths, only calming past midnight.
Early the next morning, stretching as I glanced outside, I found the world shrouded in misty rain.
After all that, it's still not done?
Sighing, I looked toward the residences.
The rain must've kept everyone up—no one was outside despite the late hour. Barely any movement, so they're probably still asleep.
Quid's group had it rough, but they left at the right time.
With the housing expansion unfinished, there's not enough space for everyone to hole up.
As I mused, I sensed Phil at my feet.
About to greet him, he glanced outside and retreated into the hall.
Zilv showed no signs of waking either. Even monsters seemed tired of yesterday's rain.
Damp from the mist, I headed to the well.
Peering in, the water had risen to near reachable levels.
And it was muddier than yesterday.
The stone walls meant this mud wasn't from outside—the vein itself was dirty. If this happens every rain, it's unfit for drinking.
What about the stream? If it's the same, an underground waterway would be pointless. Either find another method or build a large filtration system.
Looking away from the murky water, I gazed at the gray sky.
Yesterday's downpour might've been a blessing. Starting construction only to hit a dead end would've wasted time and mana.
Time to check the stream.
Rather than waiting for Quid's reply, I should search for Sogrio fruit myself. That area's barely been explored.
As others began stirring, I returned to the labyrinth to prepare.
While scarfing down Miranda's simple breakfast, I briefed Hymes on the day's plans.
"Will Lord Phil be staying behind?"
Hymes's question came instantly.
On top of Zilv, Phil yawned widely, showing no intention of moving despite hearing the plan.
"It's near the edge of the blank zone, but the danger's low. Even Rizai's group goes back and forth."
"Still, you never know. An escort would be wise."
Oddly, Zilv reacted to that.
Sensing the departure, he pushed his large face forward, Phil still on him.
Lately, I've grown better at reading Zilv's thoughts.
Probably just familiarity, but it might hint at [Taming].
Either way, Phil's absence isn't a problem now. Routine requests and orders have made Zilv accustomed.
But today's a no-go. The forest is full of puddles and mud—Zilv's weight would make travel impossible.
Patting his cheek, I sent him back to his bed and turned to Miranda by the wall.
"How's the meat stock?"
"No shortage at present."
"Then no hunting today. I'll take Sarhas."
Once Hymes nodded, I finished breakfast quickly and explained the plan to Sarhas.
Then, under the misty rain, we set off for the stream.
Hoods pulled low, I led the way through the Depths Forest.
As expected, the forest was a mess.
Most depressions were flooded, with rainwater streaming over mossy rocks.
A freshly fallen tree's roots revealed holes likely dug by monsters. The softened ground must've given way.
Surveying the altered landscape, I spoke to Sarhas behind me.
"Rough night. Get any sleep?"
"I'm fine. As an adventurer, I've camped in worse. But the others barely slept."
"I suggested this before, but how about building houses? If you're settling, I'll help."
Sarhas pondered, then shook his head.
"Achieving something isn't easy. Relying only on favors makes us dependent. Failure is valuable experience too."
"Sounds like you're expecting failure."
"Part of the roof collapsed last night."
So they had failed.
And with the roof gone, the inside must've been soaked. A harsher night than I thought.
"But some can't manage alone. For them—people like Miranda and Tes—we should lend a hand. We'll help then. And if more come…"
"Don't casually add that. It won't happen. What do you take me for?"
I denied it immediately, but Sarhas stayed silent.
This is a misunderstanding. I took those two in because of circumstance.
I've seen plenty of unfortunate folks but only helped within reason. Sympathy alone would've ruined the labyrinth long ago.
Shaking off the grim thought, we chatted as we pressed on.
Soon, amid the surrounding water sounds, a louder noise came from ahead.
It grew as we approached, peaking as we crested a small rise.
"Grew overnight. Can't call this a stream anymore."
"It's swollen quite a bit."
The width had more than doubled, with parts eroding the forest into countless puddles.
Careful not to slip, I surveyed the area.
The center looked about a meter deep—even Sarhas or I would be swept away if we fell.
Still, why?
Flowers that once bloomed along the bank were now submerged, swaying in the current.
Dirtier than usual, yet oddly clear. I'd braced for mud, so this was a pleasant letdown.
In paved urban areas, maybe, but swollen rivers are usually filthy. Could it clear up this fast in hours?
As I wondered, Sarhas peered into the water too.
"This might be a spring."
"Ah, mid-purification? That explains it. And what a volume—must be a lake nearby."
Tossing a stick, I flicked a black object from a puddle.
A 20-centimeter black larva writhed on a leaf.
"A Veegin larva. If they're like mosquitos, they're carnivorous. A small spring wouldn't provide enough food."
Sarhas nodded, crushing the larva underfoot.
"Troublesome in numbers. Should we investigate?"
"Yeah, soon. I'd like to collect these too."
Dipping my hand into another puddle, I pulled out a white stone.
Ratam ore—a blood-boosting ingredient that pairs well with Healing. Popular in Seren too. Never seen it here before, so the flood must've washed it down.
Stashing it, I cast [Presence Detection].
No monsters.
Yesterday's storm must've spooked them.
The lingering misty rain likely kept them hunkered down.
"Let's split up. Sarhas, search for Sogrio trees and gather Ratam ore. I'll scout the area."
"But my duty is to guard—"
"Doesn't seem necessary."
Sarhas hesitated, but no threats appeared.
Still, he scanned carefully before focusing on one spot.
"Is that… an animal?"
"Deer, maybe. Dozens, but half feel weak—probably juveniles."
"Hunt them?"
After a pause, I shook my head.
No meat shortage now, and overhunting would drive them from the area.
Knowing prey is plentiful is enough.
Sarhas checked further but found no monsters, finally relenting.
"The Veegin concern me, so I'll head upstream."
"Good. Let's regroup around noon."
After exchanging warnings, we parted ways.
Watching Sarhas go, I turned north.
About 30 minutes to an hour from the labyrinth?
Hard to gauge distance with my own steps, but the stream's clarity suggests an underground waterway would work.
Distance and effort aside, the work itself is simple. Cast [Earth Wall] underground, have Merlock dig through it. Can set up water and sewage lines simultaneously, with easy repairs if anything breaks.
Just need to design the entrances later.
With that settled, I began my search.
A quick scan found nothing, so I crossed the stream to focus on the south.
After heading south until the stream's noise faded, I checked again—nothing, of course. Changing course, I activated [Appraisal] and moved upstream.
Before long, I found Kungus grass.
An antidote ingredient that expels toxins, useful for food poisoning too.
Careful not to damage the roots, I used [Operate Soil] and [Operate Water] to remove the soggy earth and harvested it.
Further finds included the usual Seron grass, Ranima grass (the other alchemy solution ingredient), Tejiril grass (named by Lola, a weak stamina-recovery ingredient), Bessea bark (for wakefulness), and General tea's Jenelra grass.
A better haul than expected, but still no Sogrio trees.
Maybe northern Silveck is their limit.
No word from Sarhas either, so he's likely striking out too.
Almost noon—time to regroup.
As I turned east, another thought struck me.
Why are they approaching?
The animal herd I'd sensed earlier was heading this way.
Definitely ordinary, but…
Wary, I watched as goats emerged from the trees—about forty, half adults, half kids.
They didn't flee at my presence. Did they escape from the beastmen village?
That'd explain the approach, but something felt off.
Amid the odd silence, one stepped forward.
The leader? Larger, with a bold demeanor.
[Appraisal] showed decent combat power. Not unusual for the Depths Forest—
Wait, this species…
Race: Goat (Horba species)
These guys are battle maniacs!
Memories from years ago resurfaced as I dodged its un-goat-like charge with [High-Speed Move].
It bounced back for another charge, but I avoided it again, scanning the surroundings.
Just this one attacking?
Maybe protecting the kids, but they weren't hiding—just watching.
Either way, wiping them out is easy.
But…
Their wool can be used for clothes, milk is nutritious, and dairy products are valuable. Taming might be better than slaughter.
But they're Horba.
Their bloodshot eyes and frenzied charges bore no resemblance to cute goats.
What to do?
Lola mentioned wool for clothing, but… did she say taming was impossible? Can't remember.
As I hesitated, the goat suddenly leaped, aiming a headbutt from above.
An opening-filled move—easy to dodge. Unless…
I sidestepped, but the goat sank low, using its front legs to brake before lunging sideways.
Animals don't predict moves. These guys are battle-crazed.
Annoyed, I kicked it away.
A dull thud, then a dumbfounded noise escaped me.
"Ah, sorry."
A horn spun through the air, hitting a tree with a light tap.
But the sight before me was more shocking.
Blood gushed from the goat's head. That kick shouldn't cause bleeding, and the horn broke mid-shaft. So goat horns bleed? Huh.
Impressed despite myself, I was now cornered.
The others' mood shifted after the blood spray. If this one dies, slaughter's the only option. Wool's obtainable, but dairy's off the table.
Weighing gains and losses, I reached a decision.
Stall for now.
Dodging another charge, I grabbed its neck.
"Stop struggling! This'll be over soon!"
Shouting, I fumbled for a potion—just as Sarhas's approach registered.
He must've sensed trouble. Bad timing.
Sure enough, as Sarhas burst from the trees, the goat thrashed harder.
"Sarhas, stay back! Don't come closer!"
"Y-yes! But… what is this?"
Understandably shocked to see me wrestling a bloodied goat, but the potion—found it.
Using my teeth to uncork it, I poured it over the broken horn.
Hard tissue is tricky, but vascular damage should heal.
Holding it down, I watched the bleeding slow. Relieved, I kept my grip and asked Sarhas:
"Goat meat or milk—which would you prefer?"
"Huh?"
"Personal preference."
"Ah… never had goat milk, but the cheese was good."
Dairy it is. A steady supply would revolutionize our diet. Miranda would love the new cooking options.
As I nodded, Sarhas eyed the goats.
"Planning to domesticate them? They're Horba."
"Hence the dilemma."
Releasing it, I backed off quickly.
But the goat didn't attack. Sniffing its horn, it returned to the herd, where they began a loud chorus of baas.
Phil understood when I healed him, and I've heard of animals showing gratitude.
Hopeful, I watched as the hornless one approached—
"Seriously, again!?"
Its furious charge made me instinctively punch its face.
It crashed to the ground, knocked out instantly—triggering the others.
One by one, they charged, met with punches and kicks. Strangely, they still attacked solo.
Baffled, I kept at it until the kids joined in.
Couldn't bring myself to hit them, so I lifted and laid them down gently. They stayed put, seemingly conceding.
With the last kid settled, the attacks stopped.
I sighed at the napping herd.
"No good. Can't fathom their logic."
"Horba for you. Should we finish them now?"
"Nah, slaughter's easy. Let's observe a bit longer."
The misty rain had stopped unnoticed.
Smoothing my damp hair, I dried my face and hands with a cloth.
By then, the hornless one woke up.
◇◇◇◇
"Find any Sogrio trees?"
As we headed back, Sarhas shook his head.
"But I found too much Ratam ore to carry."
"Must've washed downstream."
"Seemed more abundant further up."
He hefted a bulging leather bag.
Enough for plenty of blood-boosting potions. Dudley's regulars are mostly courtesans—pairing fatigue recovery with blood boost would sell like crazy.
As I mused, Sarhas glanced back.
"What about them?"
Following his gaze, I turned.
A line of goats trailed behind us.
Hornless led a few adults, with kids sandwiched between more adults.
No clue how this happened.
The awakened Horba didn't attack again but refused to leave, following me like it was natural.
Seems I've become their leader somehow.
The process and criteria are a mystery, but the logic makes sense.
Horba fight to the death, yet they stopped after being knocked out. The kids surrendered just from being laid down.
Their solo attacks suggest a ranking system from the start. Different species, but even pet dogs rank their human families. The healing probably helped too. The bleeding enraged the herd, but post-treatment, hostility vanished.
Either way, we've got livestock now. With kids, milking should be possible.
Leading the entourage back, I soon sensed today's first monsters—four goblins approaching.
The kids couldn't outrun them—or so I thought, until Hornless charged, sending one flying.
The goblins panicked, but the goats swarmed, headbutting from all angles. Even [Stone Blow] spells were dodged effortlessly.
Finally, the twenty kids delivered the coup de grâce—overkill via repeated headbutts and stomping.
"Outnumbered, but a flawless victory. Though the vibe's different from when they fought me. They ganged up here."
"True. The bloodlust was absent earlier."
Puzzled, the answer soon came.
Rizai, scouting near the labyrinth, noticed us and approached. Spotting the goats, he froze, then drew his sword.
Instantly, murderous intent erupted from the Horba.
Realizing, I yelled:
"Drop the sword! Now!"
Rizai obeyed, bewildered.
The Horba's killing intent faded, replaced by wary scrutiny.
So that's it.
"Lord Alter, surely—"
"Hard to believe, but they recognize weapons."
The goblins and Rizai had drawn theirs. In Seren, Ted's group had weapons ready too. Not sure about non-demihuman monsters, but if I'd drawn my Simitar of the Gale, it'd have been a bloodbath.
After sternly ordering Rizai to keep weapons sheathed, I sent him ahead.
Watching him go, I studied the Horba.
"Smarter than expected. Slaughter's off the table."
"The whole herd would turn on us."
"Likely. Well, milking should still work."
Optimistic, I grabbed a goblin's leg.
The rest of the trip was monster-free. At the clearing, the group faced off—half wary, half curious about the newcomers.
Hymes stepped forward, cheerful.
"Welcome back. Quite the haul."
"Honestly, I'd love that. Slaughter's out—disease or battle deaths won't make them usable. I'll experiment later, but first—"
I tossed Rizai a slash-enhanced knife, nodding at the goblin.
"Extract the magic stone."
"...Are you sure?"
"Gotta teach them. Can't have them attacking every time someone draws a blade."
As Rizai unsheathed it cautiously, Hornless tensed, but I raised a hand.
"None here are enemies. Don't attack."
The calm command made Hornless alternate between watching me and Rizai.
Since I gave the knife and stopped the attack, they should understand.
Relief came as Hornless relaxed.
Rizai's struggle with the goblin held their attention, as did Miranda's cooking and wood-chopping.
They seemed to grasp weapon use among us, remaining wary but not attacking. Better assimilation than expected.
Just as I relaxed, a tremor reminded me of the biggest hazard.
Oh no—
Zilv, emerging from the labyrinth, spotted me and bounded over joyfully.
Of course, Hornless charged instantly, ignoring my command.
The collision's outcome was obvious—Hornless went flying.
Stats weren't far apart, but Zilv's mass and armor made the difference.
Unfazed, Zilv nuzzled me as Hornless got up and headbutted his foreleg.
Zilv glared, annoyed.
As the sudden brawl sent Rizai's group scrambling, I joined Sarhas.
"Same vibe as when they fought me. One at a time."
"Ranking?"
"Risky start, but seeing him cling to me must've registered as pack behavior."
Sarhas nodded but frowned.
"But why only Zilv?"
"No idea. Maybe four legs? Understanding these guys is impossible."
Zilv, of course, couldn't grasp Horba psychology either.
A real fight would be deadly.
Keeping watch, we observed.
Hornless charged repeatedly, but Zilv brushed him off effortlessly.
As a monster born with natural armor, Zilv's thick hide, enhanced by skills, was unbreakable.
Eventually, after several deflections, Hornless crashed into a tree and fainted.
The others challenged Zilv one by one, all meeting the same fate.
Sensing the gap, Zilv didn't retaliate, just fended them off with his horns and paws.
Seemed safe. If anything, he looked amused.
Thinking back, Elas Rhinos are fierce by nature.
Zilv's gentleness made me forget, but maybe this is how they play.
The kids' charges were gently swatted away.
Once the hierarchy settled, the Horba surrounded Zilv, bleating and nudging.
In human terms:
"Not bad."
"You too."
Glad it ended peacefully.
Smiling, I watched Zilv's happy expression.
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