Awakening to a Special-Grade Explorer
Vol. 4 - Ch. 168 - Because I am the dream giver!

A common assault formation participated by all guilds---this was the strategy they had discussed in the scenario monster put forth underlings in this event as well. And this was compulsory, no right to veto.

The guilds all together were divided into two teams.

First one was the extermination unit, focusing on individuals who didn't have the means to bring up the best of their firepower instantly, where they were to surround and push back the underlings from breaking out and support others with their sheer numbers..

Second team was the assault unit. They had the role to break through the underling's ranks and upturned their rearguard. They were composed of the members capable of offering the best of firepower, with adequate callings, from each guild. Their task was to open a hole in the underling's number in a flash as soon as the signal for their extermination started. And finally, once they had made it through the crowd of underlings, they were to act as the bastion and prevent them from reaching Limey's and others.

The assault unit was the cornerstone of this strategy, filled in only by the most outstanding explorers. Except, the role excluded Tenji and company for they're still the students. The only part they were allowed was to join in the first team's siege and take underlings down from there.

Fukuyama's course of action, to gather the surrounding underling’s gaze toward them, was based precisely on this. The underlings might as well be the behemoth that could squash him with no effort, but he was prepared and believed in the fellow explorers to take them down before they could reach him. With this conviction he didn't shirk away from becoming the target. After all, how else could one possibly take the role of shield when he wasn't ready to believe in his comrades---the quality that isn't exceptional, but rare to find in many.

"Beat them down for my share as well, got it, you two?"

" "We will!! " "

Tenji and Fuyuki replied in high spirit, as if resonating to Fukuyama's emotion, and dashed forward with a break necking speed.

Tenji was holding the red blade even stronger and rarer than the one he had at guild's enrollment day. Fuyuki next to him had transformed into a dragonoid form with mystical azure scales.

Fukuyama needed but a simple glance to tell Tenji's growth.

Feeling reassured and at the same time filled with an oddly intense sense of anticipation, Fukuyama found his contradictory emotions amusing.

"This isn't just anticipation... it's more like trembling with excitement."

Fukuyama muttered quietly, making sure no one heard him. He was looking forward to the battle that Tenji and the others were about to undertake.

In fact, he had already noticed the increasing presence of Tenji, even before he glanced through the documents of Illonica. The transformation was truly the comparison between heaven and earth if he had to put it.---He could see the bud of 'heroism', the essential quality of a first rate explorer, growing into him.

Just when his mind was wandering around such thoughts---

"Ruuuuuu!"

Fukuyama received a surprise attack out of nowhere---no, he just hadn't sensed its presence. He failed to notice that one individual, blessed with 'ego' more than others, had hidden itself into the forest's scenery by adjusting appearing and targeted Fukuyama, who stood at the very end of the command line.

He didn't, or perhaps couldn't? A surprise attack was an everyday occurrence for an explorer of his calibre. With rise in explorers and guild's level come the chance to partake in the most gruesome battle, and multiple times to that. The number of times his little life had a frontal battle with the grim reaper and dodged it with a hair breath might as well have surpassed the number of years he had lived.

"Talent? Bring it on! Be remember that this Fukuyama is a 'professional' who gives the dream alriiiight! I will take on anything anytime if ya has the guts to face!"

Fukuyama raised a warcry to inspire morale within himself as he faced the ambush. He was as frenzied as the raging flame outwardly, but inside, he, like a cool packet of ice, strategize his skill's coordinate and location before activating it.

"<Rashomon - Promising Barrier>."

There's no way he could let himself be the burden on students. Fukuyama took his stand with those thoughts.

He knew he carried nary a trace of talent within himself the day he failed in Chariot's enrollment exam. He possibly couldn't have felt it any more deeper than when he found himself falling head over heels for Commander Kujou.

He grappled with death, strained every fibre of his being, even as tears and blood flowed out, he paved his path to reach here. Talent? He wouldn't let himself be toyed around by a mere aspect of life.