Volume 1 - Chapter 20 – HERDING
Okay, around here should be good
Rock was travelling as the lead, seeing the terrain he made the decision.
If its here, we should be able to divert the herd of mountain deer
Its impossible to divert the herd perpendicularly. Therefore, they would have to have them turn in a slow curve. And the optimal terrain for that was before them.
It was about a two metre ramp. Though you could say it was a cliff that did not rise steeply, still it could not be called a slope.
If guiding them here goes well, their course would change to the west, after that they would just run straight ahead.
Listen, us four people will need to maintain a distance, well successfully guide the deer by keeping in a line. Lets go with some fighting spirit!
Ou!
Jin and the others headed towards the cloud of dust in the distance with the Horse Golems. Their distance quickly shortened.
Okay, turn around! Then well slowly run once those guys come. Well need to match their speed to keep up with the deer. And then well shift them west little by little.
Because he had wanted to be a knight, Rocks instructions were precise.
The herd of mountain deer came. The four men smoothly maneuvered their Horse Golems, matching the speed of the herd.
Alright, thats it! Lets keep this up!
They could cooperate because the Horse Golems could change their speed with an accelerator. If it was a real horse, the cooperation so far would require a considerable amount of training.
As expected of Rock-san
Jin maneuvering Koma last in line was impressed. Although there wasnt anyone close to him in crafting, such strategy would likely not be possible for Jin.
Well push a little more to the right here!
To Rocks instructions, the Horse Golems shifted their course to the right. The herd of mountain deer accordingly shifted their course to the right.
Keep going and well reach the place from before
The group moved forward to the 45 degree ramp from before. The leading deer did not like the ramp and diverted further to the right.
Thats it! If it goes on like this theyll be diverted
Diverting the herd parallel to the ramp, they moved away from the village. Having distanced enough away from the village,
Alright, itll be good now. Lets go back!
So as to not stimulate the mountain deer, the four men returned to Kaina Village by drawing a large arc. They were no longer worried about the mountain deer heading towards the village.
As expected of Rock-san
When Jin said that to Rock in line,
As expected of Aniki! Who would have thought it would go so well!
Indeed
The other members also unanimously praised Rock.
Stop it with all that flattering. More importantly, we need to decide about the other dangerous beast entering the village. Lets hurry back!
Seeming uncharacteristically embarrassed, Rock pushed on the Horse Golem accelerator, speeding up towards the village. Jin and the others followed after a little behind.
In the end no further unusual events occurred, once again a lookout was placed and the day grew dark.
Since the guiding during the daytime would make one tired, Jin quickly fell asleep. However, around midnight, a big rumble woke him up.
W-What!?
Going outside curious of what it is, the other side of the north mountain shined red. The light grew paler while looking at it, soon disappearing. Jin somehow had an idea of what it was and he felt a cold sweat flowing down his back.
I wonder what that was?
What in the world was that light?
It couldnt be the mountain collapsing could it?
The rumbling had awakened everyone, and seeing the same red light, they anxiously murmured.
Magic Explosion
Though a person who cant use magic could not feel it, Jin had clearly felt it. Some or some , something possessing powerful magic was brought down. Or perhaps a Core was destroyed.
A Core is something a demon possesses, it is the root of their magic. Because it controls all their magic, when that magic is destroyed and the magic power rampages, it causes an explosion.
However if its on that scale, how frightening of a demon could it be
From what Jin had judged, though it wouldnt be a Dragon, it would be a demon possessing an extremely close amount of magic power. The opponent to defeat such a demon The current Jin would stand no chance against.
Is there something I can do with Water Jet?
Even if Water Jet is strong, only Jin could use it. For example if there were multiple enemies, it is unthinkable for him to be able to protect the entire village.
This is really bad huh
But there was no option of escape for Jin. He did not want to throw away the village that was like a second home and escape.
A shelter huh?
The conclusion Jin came to was a shelter. For an emergency, all the villagers could take refuge in the shelter he made.
I need to start immediately
Jin began making the shelter without saying anything to anyone because he did not want them to worry. The location was a rock face in the village outskirts. Calling the Golems Gon and Gen, he issued them instructions.
Gon, Gen, dig out a big hole here. Enough to fit all the villagers in
Acknowledged
The two began digging immediately. Making the hands of Adamantite paid off, and they easily dug through the hard rock.
Thats it, dig it more deeply
He wanted it at least 10 metres deep.
The dug out rock is compressed and hardened and used to reinforce the interior of the hole. With that, the rock around did not pile and the digging was done efficiently. Though it would take some time being dug diagonally, it would surely become easier to use.
Alright, thats it. Slowly dig out the living space. The height of the ceiling should be about 3 metres
While reinforcing the walls, Jin continued issuing instructions. With such harsh work, even the Golems became damaged, and so as to not slow down the work, Jin immediately repaired them.
It was soon dawn. Jin decided to return to Marthas house for the moment. Gon and Gen continued to work.
Good morning
Good morning, Onii-cha?
Seeing Jin, Hannas eyes rounded.
Whats wrong Onii-chan? Your face looks terrible
He was told and Jin looked at the reflection of his face in the water, with bloodshot eyes, and dark circles under his eyes. Of course Hanna would be surprised.
A-Aa, I didnt get much sleep last night
Then Martha came and the same as Hanna, she was surprised seeing Jins face.
Jin! Whats wrong!? If something happens to you now, what will the village do?
Eh?
With that frighteningly angry shout, Jin looked at Martha in surprise.
You, do you not understand it yourself? The scouting, the fences, and defending against the mountain deer yesterday, without you, would we have been able to do it? It is because you are here that everyone can feel at ease
Do you mean me?
Aa thats right. You are already a splendid member of this village. It looks like youre trying to do something yourself, am I right? In this village, we all share our hardships and joy
With Martha saying that, involuntarily the corner of Jins eye grew hot.
Thank you very much. I
Martha pushed Jins shoulder,
You look like youre lacking sleep. Sa, hurry up and sleep. Youll feel better with a little sleep
With that said, Jin once again,
Thank you very much
said his thanks, and dropped on his bed.
Onii-chan
To the worried Hanna, Martha,
Shh, let him get some sleep now. When he wakes up well give him warm porridge to eat
said, and Martha led Hanna out of the room.
5 hours, Jin soundly slept, he ate breakfast and lunch at the same time, then rushed back to the digging of the shelter. Half of this was to hide his embarrassment.
Quite a bit has been done
The operation of Gon and Gen somewhat worsened with Jin gone. Jin immediately repaired them, then checked the inside. About 8% of the plan seems to be done.
Alright, at this rate Ill make it in time
However, the time for this hard work to be in vain came.
Jin! So this is where you were! Trouuble!
Rock came flying over out of breath.
Rock-san? What is it?
T-That is, from the north mountain
From the north mountain?
something unbelievable is coming
Eh? No way?
Was it a strange looking monster? Or was it a huge demon beast?
Anyway, have a look with your own eyes
So he stopped with the shelter for a moment, taking along Gon and Gen, Jin came to the protection fence at the north side of the village.
Ou, Jin. That, what do you see?
There in the direction where the lookout Tom pointed
eh?
A girl wearing a blue one piece and a white apron dress. Her silk black hair fluttered.
That is
The girl finds Jin in the far distant, then in an instant the figure blurs and,
Father!
The next moment Jin was embraced.
And then.
Father!?
The voices of everyone faded away into the sky.