Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World - Chapter 103.2 - The Second Year at the Academy - Joint Exercise 1 (2)

The topic of Lambert and the others shifts to the exchange of tactical opinions instead of tomorrow’s exercises.

At that moment, I sensed an approaching presence.

There are four of them.

This presence, could it be them?

There are no demons in the surrounding area.

I think it’s unwise for the exploration team to separate, but–

I veer off to the side, distancing myself from everyone.

Glancing back, but with them wandering around earlier, Lambert and the others weren’t paying attention to my movements.

A little distance should be fine.

And just as I begin to run through the forest, the group of four also notices me.

Peering out from the shadows of the trees was, as expected, Velotte.

“So it was you, Tenko-san.”

“Long time no see, Velotte.”

I knew Hishou was with the escort when we departed.

Sekies, Anbel, and Barnar also show themselves, wearing smiles.

“Oh, it really is Tenko. You were from Cartilard?”

“Everyone seems to be in good spirits. Did you notice?”

Velott responds to my question.

“I didn’t know exactly where you were. When we were at the ranch, you only returned to town in the morning. We were discussing whether you were academy students.”

“I see. Sorry for the trouble.”

I straighten my posture.

“Let me introduce myself properly. I am Alter Les Reedvalt, the second son of the baron’s family.”

“Oh! I thought you were a knight, but you’re a noble!”

“It doesn’t make much difference being the second son. But there’s something I need to ask. I try to keep my work as an adventurer under wraps. Could you all refer to me as Alter instead of Tenko during the exercises?”

Honestly, while it’s a bit late, I don’t want to make a big deal out of my adventurer profession.

Hishou exchanges puzzled looks, and then Sekies nods on behalf of the group.

“There must be some reason for it. Understood–oh, should I speak more formally?”

“Your status doesn’t matter among academy students. At least not to me. Just act as usual.”

Hearing that, Anbel taps her cheek with her finger.

“So we just need to pay attention to the name?”

“That’s right. Close friends know, but others won’t be able to tell. Always go with Alter.”

“Got it. So do you know the other adventurers, like Serf?”

“I think they do–”

The adventurers leading this time are the usual Serf led by Haleist.

We haven’t had much interaction, just contact during the battle with the goblin leader. I’ve never spoken to them as adventurers.

But I’ve seen them at the guild, and for a while, I was associated with the Battle Axe of Destruction so they were interested in me as an adventurer. They probably know me.

Still, their lack of contact is probably their own consideration.

Like if they’re secretly earning tuition because their families are poor or something. There are various circumstances.

Thinking about that, Lambert and the others’ presence approaches from behind.

Velotte also notices and informs everyone.

“They’re academy students.”

Lambert and Felix, who didn’t expect adventurers to be there, send sharp glances around.

On the other hand, Hishou and the familiar Elliot bow.

“What are you doing around here?”

“Sorry, just greeting someone I know.”

“Someone you know… ah, an adventurer.”

I avoided the question when I encountered perennially abundant crops, but if I kept meeting Ted and the others, it would be impossible to keep evading.

Besides, I trust Lambert and Felix, and for the same reason, I’ve also told Lola.

Seemingly satisfied for now, Lambert turns to Yabushou.

“Any monsters?”

“Not many. Serf seemed to have been attacked by a Nudlok–”

“But they repelled it easily.”

As Barnar adds, Lambert shakes his head somewhat disappointedly.

“Indeed, there seem to be few monsters in the shallow woods. Well then, please continue to handle it.”

“Leave it to me. You guys do your best with the exercises too.”

Lambert nods, then turns on his heel.

I also bid farewell to Yabushou and followed after them.

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