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When the weather grows quite cold and more dead leaves begin to pile up on the roads as the village ushers in the autumn season, we finally finish installing the part of the fence that stretches from the northern side of the village to the southwestern side.

The fence is wrapped with magic-imbued barbed iron wires, which serve as additional defense against the demons’ attack and repel demons that touch it with lightning magic. These wires are called “Crackling Blitz Iron Wires.”

I did it! I finally accomplished one of my goals!!!

I could be biased, but I think the installation process went exceptionally well.

In my plan, I divided the western side of the village into nine areas: north, northwest, north of northwest, west of northwest, west, southwest, west of southwest, south of southwest, and south. Then I steadily store the necessary materials needed for the fence covering each area.

We just finished building the fence in the last area, the southern area.

Now that the fence along the village’s western border is completely finished, all the hardships I’ve encountered during the installation process continuously flash in my mind like a revolving lantern.

The southern area is surrounded by high mountains and characterized by violently upheaved land everywhere, having little to no flat ground. In some places, the ground’s so non-traversable that the wheels may slip and even separate from any cart that was driven across the southern area. Because of that, the cart sometimes doesn’t even manage to arrive at the installation site. Whenever that happened, we were forced to carry the materials ourselves to the location. It was very troublesome. Thankfully, the villagers were very nice and would help us carry the materials.

One way or another, we managed to complete the fence installation before the expected date.

Basking in the sparkling golden sunset, I stand by the fence and observe its completed form, stretching northward from the rocky cliff that signifies the southernmost end of the village and blocks the village from going any further south.

The stakes were made by cutting and processing the hardest wood in this village, which I purchased from the Jade brothers, while the durable iron wires were manufactured at Sney’s place. They’re flexible but hard to break. The two are very strong and sturdy materials, systematically intertwined with one another along the border of the village.

Ah… I remember how daunting hammering the stakes into the ground were. After all, they’re taller than me and also thicker than Cheddar-san’s thigh.

On top of finding flat enough ground to stably plant our feet onto, we had to examine the slope to make sure the stake wouldn’t end up crooked. Then slowly and accurately, we hammered the stake vertically into the ground before moving to the next place. If the stake is slanted, its weight will eventually cause it to fall. We definitely can’t be remiss on this matter.

But hard work never goes to waste. Deeply stuck into the ground at the right angle such that it stands upright, the stakes will be sure to keep standing until that day of disaster comes. This fence will definitely protect the village from the demons.

The Jade brothers recommended the wood used for the stakes with full confidence. It’s also hard and resilient enough that none of the stakes broke even after being subject to Alfred’s monstrously powerful hammering.

The wood is expensive, but they sold it to me at a discounted price due to our friendship. I can’t thank them enough.

After hammering the stakes deep into the ground, the ends of five thick iron wires were then attached along the length of two stakes at equal intervals. In the gaps between those wires, thin iron wires with splinters were twined around them, looking similar to netting.

These iron wires were manufactured at Sney family’s workshop. It’s not noticeable at first glance, but they’re made by skillful craftsmen.

Even when I directed strong electric current through the wires many times to test their sturdiness, not even a spark of flame ignited on them. I also tried throwing a rock at them, but they didn’t break and even caused the rock to be flung back.

I’m satisfied and happy with the fence’s wonderful performance.

I also discovered something else when constructing the fences. Although the villagers of Leis village are very carefree and laid-back, many of them are also dexterous and diligent. They’re also very sincere and thorough when it comes to their craft. This is all apparent just by looking at the constructed fence.

The quality of the fence should be more than enough. With this, can I say that I’ve fulfilled my role?

As I shift my gaze away from the fence, I spot a group of seven people, consisting of nice middle-aged men and young men. I hired them as the main force behind the fence installation from beginning to end. Each of them is unique in their own ways, but they are all exceedingly skilled. Every time they gather, they look like “The Magnificent Seven” my grandpa used to like. The sight’s pretty funny, but they’re reliable. Eight other villagers living nearby have also come all the way here to help. Aside from them, a few grandpas, grandmas, and kids bring refreshments and a cloth to sit on the ground. They’ve probably come to play and also cheer us on.

Everyone is delighted by the completion of the fence. They jump up like children, embrace each other, and slap each other’s hands and backs.

Standing next to me, Alfred says, “Lian, we finished the fence.” In his hand is the heavy hammer used to pile the stakes into the ground.

I nod, a smile on my face.

It’s Alfred who pounded most of the stakes into the hard ground. If I didn’t have the help of Alfred and his monstrous strength… the installation probably wouldn’t have proceeded as planned like this. No, I’m doubtful whether we could even finish it before the set deadline.

“Yeah, it’s done. Finally… We finally finished… Alfred, thank you for accompanying me until the end. We wouldn’t have been able to complete it today without you. You’ve been a great help. Really, thank you.”

Alfred squints and breaks into a smile in joy and wonder. “It’s unusual for you to praise me this much.”

“Huh?! What are you saying?!”

What does he mean by that?! I especially put all my heart into praising him to the skies just now. How can he say that?!

I punch him in the chest, but he still doesn’t stop laughing. When I see how happy he is, my anger somewhat vanishes. Eventually, his happiness spreads to me, and I join him in laughter.

After we calm down, Alfred peers at my face. “Lian, since we’re done constructing the fence today, what will you do tomorrow?”

Tomorrow’s Sunday. It’s still a workday for us, but…

“I’m going to take a break tomorrow. I feel exhausted. Everyone should be tired too, right? Including you, Alfred. After that, next week, I’ll…”

By the inner side of the fence, I’ve also installed alarms and ‘alarm-counterattack’.

But I shouldn’t feel satisfied with only this. If I want sure chances of survival, this still isn’t enough at all. After all, there’s no such thing as being too careful. That’s just my theory, though.

The first line of defense is the area filled with traps, where ‘alarms’ have been hidden on the ground and the trees.

The second line of defense is this fence.

Preparations for the third line of defense are almost complete. All that’s left to do are the finishing steps and the installation.

Then after that… for as long as time allows, I will continue to add or strengthen the defense lines, focusing on the west area.

“I’m planning to install as many demon-repellent devices as possible in the valleys, animal trails, and some other areas around the village. I also want to improve the facilities at the evacuation sites and keep the evacuation route cleared and usable. And if possible, I want to establish more evacuation sites,” I briefly explain.

Alfred frowns in astonishment, then releases a sigh. “You… I don’t think any demon can break through this fence as it is.”

“Uh…”

I don’t know what to say to that.

Well… that’s undoubtedly the case under normal circumstances. But when that day comes, an abnormal number of demons will come to this village.

“That’s true… but…”

“Right? And yet, you set all this up and want to do even more… just what are you planning to fight against?”

This question causes my heart to jump. Realizing how bad the situation is, I feign calmness as much as I can and wear my usual smile to try deceiving him.

“E-even if you ask me that…”

After making sure he won’t catch my nervousness, I take a breath, somehow managing to calm my pounding heart. Following that, I slowly look up at the guy next to me.

When I do so, I see Alfred staring back at me, sky-blue eyes calm and clear. So I keep my gaze just as calm.

Then I voice out the words that come to mind, “…With fate.”

At that same instant, I realize how too cringy my words are and almost blush in embarrassment. It’s not wrong, but it’s so embarrassing to say it. Ah, I shouldn’t have said that. So, I jokingly add, “Just kidding.”

Alfred only raises an eyebrow. Then he smiles and helplessly says, “Well, I guess it’s fine. You can do whatever you want.”

Just like that, he let me off without asking anything else.

“…Thank you, Alfred.”

Alfred shrugs, then proceeds to muss my hair up. Hey, don’t do that! My hair’s already normally unruly and quick to become messy!

“Now then. Let’s clean things up here quickly so we can go home. The feast and endless alcohol are waiting for us.”

I brush away the unwanted hand that is still on my head and shoot him a glare through the corner of my eye. I hope my actions just now will make him reflect on his rudeness.