The Village's Future - 20
I couldn't help but smile naturally as I saw Abel showing a willingness to listen, despite anger simmering beneath his surface.
「... First, our living infrastructure isn't stable. Ideally, we should establish defensive facilities and create a stable village.」
「That's easier said than done.」
As I voiced my opinion, Abel narrowed his eyes sharply like knives and retorted. I responded by raising a hand and continued the discussion.
「Whether it's easy or not doesn't matter. It's something we must do, even if it's difficult.」
When I stated this firmly, Abel fell silent. He must have had an inkling. Abel remained silent, offering no words. After confirming this, I spoke up again.
「First, we lack the time to strengthen our facilities. And in the case of large magical beasts appearing, you know that effective defenses can't be built easily. Thus, I think we first need to grasp everyone's job aptitude and strengthen our overall combat abilities.」
「Just a hundred people? And ten-year-old kids among them?」
As I revealed a part of my thoughts, Abel said this with a serious expression. By this world's standards, he was right. However, in a game world, five top players could take down a large magical beast. If I could create a guild as per my plans, a hundred people in basic occupations would suffice for defense.
「It's not a problem. That's why I'd like to see you, Abel, in action.」
I expressed this with a renewed smile. Abel made a complex expression and groaned.
「Honestly, I knew we couldn't continue like this. But from a mere human child...」
「I'm just offering advice; you don't have to listen.」
「Ugh...」
At that point, Abel groaned in frustration. He mulled it over for a while but eventually permitted me to observe everyone's hunting. Although I wasn't sure how much my opinions had resonated, he didn't seem to see me as an enemy.
Relieved at the peaceful resolution, I noticed Irinya sighing in relief.
The next day, Abel grudgingly took us on a hunt. For safety, perhaps, Mikel and Rolf came along too. There were five of us, including Irinya and me, for the hunt. While it seemed too few for walking through the forest, Abel and his companions were calm and composed.
They swiftly hunted magical beasts. Mikel located them through sensory detection and initiated surprise attacks. In cases of multiple or powerful beasts, Rolf fired arrows in rapid succession to keep them at bay before they could get close.
Finally, Abel dealt with approaching magical beasts with single strikes. Despite wielding a large double-edged sword, he handled it as if swinging a wooden stick. Though the magical beasts were small, they were significant threats, but Abel handled them seamlessly without any skills.
「Wow, Abel is strong...」
「He really is.」
As Irinya and I conversed about this, Rolf, nearby, turned his head, smiling wryly.
「Abel's the strongest in the village. He used to be considered useless because he couldn't learn skills, but he silenced his detractors through sheer skill. Isn't he something?」
「Wow, that's truly impressive.」
As I listened to Rolf's explanation, I genuinely praised him. From observing the battles, Abel seemed entirely focused on speed. Although the sword's power was high, having a skill that always activated like 'Sword Mastery' could make one both fast and strong.
Yet his strength was considerable even without that. In a game, you might think it was due to player skills. Even the strongest character wouldn't perform well in a novice's hands. However, a person with overwhelming player skill can make a beginner character quite formidable.
Abel, already quite strong, could turn into an incredible force with the strongest skill set. Honestly, in my mind, with the five of us here, repelling large magical beasts didn't seem like just a dream.
「This is getting interesting. I'm curious about everyone else's job aptitude and capabilities, too.」
As I said this, Irinya smiled with relief.
「Do you think the village might survive?」
I nodded emphatically in response to her question.
「Yes, the beastmen are strong. If they properly develop in line with their job aptitude, we can manage in this forest. But creating defensive facilities is tough. What to do about that...」
Answering Irinya, I pondered over a new issue. Considering the village's situation, I believed they lacked much in terms of construction technology. While they had clothing beyond fur, giving a somewhat cultural lifestyle, their meals appeared too simplistic, consisting of grilled meat or fish, or cut fruit, and lacked other infrastructures beyond a well. Worst of all, they had to retrieve clothes or armor from travelers and mercenaries who'd collapsed near the forest entrance just to have basic supplies.
The shortages were overwhelming. It's going to be busy.
Within just a week of living in the beastman village, I found myself feeling like a lord as I watched Abel and the others in battle.
-------------= Author's Notes -------------=
If you found yourself curious about 'what happens next,' it would make me happy if you could press the ☆ button at the bottom of the page!
It motivates the author!・:*+.\(( °ω° ))/.:+
-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
Abel has passive skill, maybe?
【ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌ )】