第２６９堀：修行パートと一生懸命のプレゼント (Part2)
While we students were panicking, the PE teacher—who had seen his fair share of injuries and emergencies—immediately assessed the situation to decide whether to head for the infirmary or call an ambulance.
It was, quite literally, the result of experience.
That is precisely why we have Eoid doing various tasks: to compensate for his own lack of that same experience.
Well, I don’t intend to push him to the point where he stops smiling, like some certain sergeant I know. There’s no point if he’s completely broken by the time I hand him over to Amanda.
"So, Yuki-san. Do you actually think he can learn a 'finisher'?"
"Something like those tropes from manga and anime is impossible. The important thing is that Eoid himself grows stronger. If we just hand him some strange item, it’s a one-time deal, so it’s meaningless."
"That’s true. So, are we going for something flashy?"
"I suppose. It would be interesting if he could learn something like a 'Kame-hame-ha,' though."
"He’s only capable of mana manipulation, after all. I was talking about having him study elemental magic eventually, but that’s obviously not happening today or tomorrow."
"Definitely not. If it were that easy to study and absorb, this world wouldn't be in the state it is now."
"Fair point. So, we’ve decided on the direction, but what exactly are you going to have him learn?"
"Well, actually, how far can Eoid go right now? Because of my work with Cleena and Samantha, I’ve left Eoid’s training entirely up to Taiki-kun, haven't I?"
"Ah, now that you mention it, that’s right. Though, not that much time has passed, so he’s only just reached the point where he can solidify his mana. The durability is about that of iron, and his magic resistance changes depending on his mental image."
"What do you mean, 'depending on his image'?"
"Eoid doesn't seem to fully grasp the concept of mana yet. If he shapes it into gauntlets, his physical offensive and defensive capabilities increase; if he shapes it into a shield, his defense against both physical and magical attacks rises."
"…That’s a way of using mana that even we can’t replicate."
"Yes. He’s quite dexterous, changing the quality of his mana to suit his needs, whether it’s for self-enhancement or to categorize the types of attacks he blocks."
"In that sense, we’re the ones lacking in imagination."
"Well, aiming for a balanced approach is usually the most stable path, after all."
"To begin with, we never saw the point in giving a fixed shape to formless mana."
The mana we use constantly is something that seeps out from within us or exists in the air.
Mana manipulation is primarily used to create barriers or to solidify it into platforms. It’s similar to the feeling of molding clay into whatever you want, but I’d never thought of using it to create gauntlets, swords, or shields like Eoid does.
In reality, even if you were to use mana manipulation as a weapon or a shield, magic and firearms are more efficient for offense, and barriers are easier and safer for defense.
Looking at it from that perspective, it is indeed wasteful. However, Eoid seems to have an added layer of mental reinforcement for the things he creates, making them function like enchanted equipment.
…Wait. Doesn't this sound like someone from somewhere…?
"Yuki-san, Eoid’s mana manipulation is like—"
"Don't say it. Don't you dare bring up the name of that famous character. Eoid’s body is made of normal human flesh and blood."
"But the direction is set, isn't it?"
"Yeah. I’m going to head back and grab a weapon encyclopedia."
If Eoid finds it easier to visualize things he recognizes and that exist in the world, then we just need to increase his variety.
Eoid has been doing his best with a sword until now, so if I show him the encyclopedia, he might be able to replicate them.
If he can’t, we can just use his mana solidification to pin the opponent down—a shackling strategy.
"Alright, Eoid! You can stop the running. Let’s start the real training."
Behind me, Taiki-kun is calling Eoid over.
He’ll probably explain the gist of it by the time I get back with the book, so I should hurry.
It’s dinner time now, and everyone has returned home to enjoy a relaxed meal.
Today’s menu is a variety of pastas, salad, and soup.
"So, how is Eoid’s training going?"
Seraria asks, holding Sakura on her lap and twirling pasta onto her fork before bringing it to her mouth.
"Hmm, well, I think it’ll just have to play out as it does."
As I answer Seraria’s question, Deryu, who was nursing Yuyu, speaks up with a curious look.
"…I thought you and Taiki would be talking about a guaranteed victory, but you sound awfully pessimistic."
*Mm-hmm.* All the wives nod in agreement.
"Well, if there were no handicaps and no restrictions on support, we wouldn't lose. But as Seraria said, this is Eoid’s training. Honestly, it’s dangerous to watch, and he’s facing a superior opponent. Even with training, it’s only been a few days. And we didn't break the rules of the Weed dungeon to give him a boost, either."
"Ah, I see. So it all depends on how seriously Eoid has been applying himself to his training, then?"
"Exactly. You really do understand, don't you?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"Aslin, do you understand?"
"No, I don't know. Firia-chan?"