落とし穴６６堀：ぼくらの夏休み２ 昆虫王者の捜索開始 (Part2)
"As you can see, there are quite a variety of stag beetles. While there’s only one type of rhinoceros beetle, all stag beetles are eligible for insect sumo. As for the length competition, I’m limiting that to rhinoceros beetles only. Since the average length varies by species, it wouldn't be fair to mix them together."
"Eh? Big Brother, if you do that, the small stag beetles won't be able to win, right?"
Aslin-chan asks with a puzzled look.
However, that’s not quite right.
"Aslin, rhinoceros beetles and stag beetles are incredibly strong. They can pull things about five times their own weight."
Saying this, I tie a string to the tip of the horn of the rhinoceros beetle I caught and attach it to a banana.
In terms of physique, it’s about twice the size. I wouldn't say it’s five times the weight.
But the rhinoceros beetle drags it along as if it were nothing.
" " "Whoa!!" " "
After the demonstration, I peel the banana and give it to the beetle.
I’d feel bad just using it and tossing it aside like I did when I was a kid.
"So, for both rhinoceros and stag beetles, physique doesn't really matter. The important thing is to find one with spirit and fighting drive. Of course, having a good build is an advantage, but that's all it is."
Once the explanation on bug catching is finished, Yuki-san begins to spread out a map.
"This is the map of this forest. It’s about three kilometers on all sides. I’ve placed sawtooth oaks here and there, so your first goal is to find them and look for good rhinoceros or stag beetles for the upcoming length and sumo competitions. At worst, you could just take them from these oaks, but that wouldn't be any fun, would it?"
When Yuki-san says this, everyone nods.
Naturally, the fun is in finding them yourself.
Catching them where you've been told is truly a last resort.
"The time limit is until 2:00. After that, we’ll gather to hold the length and sumo competitions. Also, I assume everyone brought a bento, so make sure you eat. Don't get so caught up in bug catching that you forget to eat. Breaks are important, too. Don't forget to stay hydrated."
After giving the necessary precautions, the moment finally arrives.
"Alright. It’s almost 10:00, so let’s begin."
" " "Yes!!" " "
"Oh, and if you get hurt in the forest, make sure to let me know. Be careful, everyone."
With that, everyone heads into the forest as they please.
Perhaps inspired by the earlier explanation, Airi went off with Ria-san, determined to find a rhinoceros beetle bigger and stronger than the one I had.
It’s great that she’s enjoying herself, but being left behind is a little lonely.
I was about to head out myself, but I noticed two people who hadn't moved from the spot.
"So, Yuki-san, Taizo-san, why aren't you moving?"
"Hm? No, well, what do you think, Taizo-san?"
"Hm? Ah, it’s only natural."
"???"
As I tilt my head in confusion, both of them look at me and sigh.
"It’s no use. City kids are always like this."
"…Taiki-kun. Battle is always ruthless."
After saying that, the two of them take out their bentos and start eating right there.
"Wait, what!? It’s only 9:00!?"
"No, eating while moving is a waste of time. Besides, it gets hot and miserable to eat once the sun gets high."
"That’s right. We eat first, then we search. Besides, it’s not like you can get lost or stranded in a small forest like this, and we’re finishing at 2:00. Back when I was a kid, I didn't even need lunch for something like this."
"I suppose that’s true, but…"
"Well, eating lunch isn't a bad thing in itself, and I figured the wives who aren't used to walking in the forest should probably have a proper meal."
"Indeed. That is correct. So, Taiki-kun, are you not going to eat?"
"…Ah, yes. I’ll eat."
I could see their point, so I sat down and ate with them.
Yeah, even though it was prepared for me, it’s delicious.
The time-stop feature of the Item Box is a huge help.
It’s easy since I don't have to worry about it spoiling.
"Now that we’ve eaten, Taizo-san, how do you intend to move? I’m the organizer and the creator of this forest, so it would be unfair. I’ll go catch them with you in the area you choose."
Ah, right.
Since Yuki-san created this place, he knows exactly where the good-sized beetles are.
That would certainly be unfair.
"Hmm… Yuki-kun. How accurate is the map on this call screen?"
"It’s perfect."
"I see… Then, it’s where this rotten wood is."
Taizo-san decides on the location immediately after just a glance at the map.
"Rotten wood? Ah, I see. That’s where they sleep, isn't it?"
"Exactly. Taiki-kun. Just having trees doesn't mean insects will gather. You have to consider the surrounding environment—places with rotten wood that could serve as a bed. For now, let’s quickly scout out promising spots like this."
…Somehow, it’s both reliable and so serious that it’s a bit awkward.
"Well, I can't lose to the amateur wives, after all. Let’s give it our all."
"Indeed."
…Oh, they’re serious.
They’re truly taking their play seriously.
Hahaha, it’s a summer pitfall, so it’ll probably continue for a while.
There are endless things that come to mind when you think of summer, so I won't run out of material!!
Well, I’ll take this opportunity to have them grasp the progress of Weed as well.
For now, it’s a breather episode.