New Dawn Chapter: 084

"Home sweet home." Kohta said, smiling nervously. "Man, it feels like I'm intruding… I hope it's okay."

"It is. You're welcome here as much as I am. More even." Tysone said sincerely, patting him on the shoulder.

Kohta blinked. "W-why?"

Tysone chuckled softly. "What do you mean why? Without your skills we'd all be dead. Never underestimate yourself again. Got it?"

"G-got it." Kohta's fists clenched in resolution.

Alice dashed through the mansion, exploring each room with wide eyes. She giggled happily, twirling about as she went. "Woohoo! So big!"

Tysone led the group to the first floor. "The left and ring wings of the mansion consist of guest rooms. There's a bathroom for the boys and one for the girls respectively. The dudettes can take the right wing, though some cleaning might be required beforehand. The dudes will sojourn in the right wing. My bedroom is on the second floor, in case anyone needs me."

Marin hummed curiously, staring out through one of the large windows. "Do you think this place will attract any unwanted attention from outsiders?"

"Hmmm…" Tysone rubbed his chin contemplatively. "I don't know… It's not like it's easy to spot from afar, but there's always going to be a chance someone comes by."

"What do you propose we do, then?" Saya queried sharply.

He gazed out at the surrounding forestland. "There isn't anything I can suggest right now... Besides setting up patrols and alarms around the area. The nearest neighbors are at least a twenty minute walk away."

"We should definitely prioritize fortifying the compound. We'll need some kind of defensive measures against bandits—or anyone looking to loot. Setting up an alarm system won't be difficult. With enough time and resources we should have a fully functioning barrier sooner than later." Saya proposed.

He nodded at her idea. "Sounds good enough."

"How about planting traps on the ground? Dig holes, fill them with sharp sticks. Or we could lay barbed wire in certain places where people can't just jump over." Kohta suggested with a bright smile on his chubby face.

Tysone considered this option briefly. "Hmm. A solid suggestion. But that might prove fatal depending on what we use and where we plant it. Bandits are bandits, but it's the innocent folks we need to care about. As for the barbed wire, I've already installed them on top of the fence, actually." He looked at Kohta. "But overall, solid suggestions. Keep it up." He complimented him genuinely, causing Kohta's glasses to glint. 

Saya nodded. "Right. We should consider building barricades as well. Anything heavy that could stop cars or block paths. After all, nothing stops someone from driving into this place with their trucks." She added with her hands on her hips.

Saeko concurred. "We could even set up watchtowers at various spots on the property to keep watch over everything and give advanced warning. If necessary, we can even equip the watchers with rifles."

"Definitely." Takashi agreed enthusiastically. "This way we'll know if someone tries anything funny. Plus if anything does happen out there... having guards stationed everywhere gives us an advantage. At least I hope."

"It all sounds good, but to implement each and every one of your suggestions would require lots of work, equipment, and personnel. One thing at a time. For now, we should make sure everyone is capable of defending themselves in some form or fashion." He paused momentarily to let that sink in before continuing further. "To start with, everyone should learn basic marksmanship and combat training, regardless of experience level. We'll figure out the logistics of it later, this is just to get an understanding of what needs improvement. I want everyone to at least be capable of handling guns or melee weapons effectively."

"That means me too?" Saya frowned, arms crossed.

"Yeah." Tysone asserted. "Even if you decide not to participate actively in fights, being able to hold your own without anyone's assistance is an essential skill in today's climate. Things change fast these days and it's vital that you prepare accordingly."

"Me?" Alice raised her hand timidly.

"Not you." He gently tapped her forehead. "Sorry kiddo."

She pouted, puffing up her cheeks. "Awww…"

Tysone merely ruffled her hair, sighing. He would have liked to have her to at least know the basics of self-defence, but he knew better than to push the girl. Realistically, what could a child her age do anyway?

He doubted those weak and fragile limbs could handle the recoil of even a pistol. He turned towards Saeko. "Can I trouble you to be the swordsmanship instructor? I know some moves, but you're hands down the most qualified here."

She offered him a smile as she accepted his offer graciously. "Of course. Your trust is appreciated, Tysone-san." She bowed elegantly.

Tysone then turned towards Kohta. "Can I place the same burden upon your shoulders? I want you to teach firearms training, starting with handguns."

Kohta blushed at being put on the spot and sputtered unintelligibly until he managed to calm himself. When he spoke again however, his words were firm. "Leave it to me!"

With that settled, Tysone addressed the rest of them. "Tomorrow morning, we begin training."

With their tasks assigned, everyone dispersed.

A few members lingered in the foyer, talking amongst themselves. But soon enough they too filtered out to their respective bedrooms to clean and prepare for tomorrow.

...

As soon as Tysone hit his bed, darkness consumed his consciousness instantly.

By the time he cracked his eyes open, it was already the wisps of dawn.

Tysone couldn't oversleep; it had already been ingrained in his bone to wake up early.

Rubbing his bleary vision, Tysone got up and headed to the ensuite bathroom to wash up. By the time he came out, a knock sounded at the door.

"It's open."

"Excuse me." Shizuka entered—surprising, he thought she'd still be asleep. She did drink yesterday, to celebrate or something.

"Morning, Sensei." Greeted Tysone as he tossed aside yesterday's clothes into a nearby laundry basket. He walked towards his walk-in wardrobe to grab new ones, uncaring of her presence, or the fact that he was shirtless and dripping wet. Only a pair of pants covered him up.

She cleared her throat politely.

"If you're embarrassed, you can wait outside." He commented without turning around. "I won't take long."

"N-no, no, it's quite alright!" She squeaked out hurriedly. "Um..." Silence stretched between them, which only served to amplify the awkwardness.

After what seemed like forever, Shizuka finally mustered up enough courage to speak again. "I actually wanted to check up on your injuries. They need to be treated properly."

Tysone glanced back at her. "Still hurts a bit, but nothing too incapacitating." He flexed his arm. It didn't hinder him much anymore. Even if he sustained more severe damage, he refused to allow it to hamper his ability to defend himself.

In this world, every ounce of strength mattered.

Shizuka approached cautiously before examining Tysone's injuries meticulously. "I see that." After she examined every bruise, scrape, cut, and bump adorning his toned physique, she inspected his back. "I brought some ointment and bandages. Do you need help applying them?"

"Yes please. That'd save some hassle." He nodded.

"Sure." Shizuka smiled, then had him sit down on his bed. She leaned down slightly. His eyes followed her every movement.

She gently applied the medicinal lotion onto his bruises. The soothing touches made his eyes flutter shut as his lips parted ever so slightly, releasing soft exhales and content murmurs.

"How's that?" Shizuka asked quietly, looking up at him.

"Good." Tysone replied, his voice a little rough. "Feels nice."

She blushed, looking away for a second. "Sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable." She said quickly. "But the wounds need treatment. You'll thank yourself in a few years for taking proper care of them."

"No worries. I understand completely." Tysone reassured, smiling slightly.

Shizuka then proceeded to change the bandage on his shoulder. Everything was done gently and efficiently. Although occasionally, she'd seem distracted whenever her fingers brushed against his muscles—which caused her breathing to quicken slightly.

When she was done changing his bandages, she stepped back. "You really should wear a shirt. You'll get cold easily... especially during night."

Tysone arched a brow. He crossed one leg over the other, leaning back slightly. "Now look who's the worried mother hen. Are you offering yours?"

"Wha—" Shizuka blushed madly. "Th-that wasn't what I meant! Just cover yourself, mister!"

He chuckled. "Have you eaten yet?" Tysone inquired nonchalantly, smirking.

"Oh uh—" Shizuka blinked rapidly, startled by such a casual question. She shook her head, regaining focus. "Not yet..."

"Then let's go. You'll need sustenance for the coming lessons." Standing up from his bed, he made way towards the door.

"Wait, do I have to partake? You never said I needed to join." Shizuka whined. "I can barely carry anything heavier than two buckets of water without feeling like my bones might break."

"That's why you gotta train." Tysone reasoned, shrugging. "Listen, I'm not expecting you to become another Saeko or anything. All I want is for you to gain enough strength and skill to be independent. That way I wouldn't have to worry about your wellbeing when shit hits the fan." Tysone explained calmly. "It doesn't matter if it takes months, years even—I'll keep working with you till you reach satisfactory levels. Even then, it would only be reasonable to continue honing your talents."

She sighed resignedly, knowing arguing further would lead nowhere. "Fine." She acquiesced reluctantly. 

Author's Note:

If you're enjoying the story and want to read ahead or support my work, you can check out my P@treon at P@treon.com/LordCampione. But don't worry—all chapters will eventually be public. Just being here and reading means the world to me. Thank you for your time and support.