第４３４堀：一番割を食った人 (Part2)
In reality, sword skills and the like are acquired through training, so they do not disappear. During the duel, it began with a sword fight between Taizo and Taiki, then escalated into hand-to-hand combat and brawling. This suggests that as long as one has trained themselves and the power is something considered natural on Earth, it can still be exercised.
Regarding the remote operation of Doppelgangers, while this is closer to magic than a skill, it is not so much magic as it is the flow of magical power itself, acting like radio waves. Therefore, I believe it cannot be obstructed.
What is particularly noteworthy is its unparalleled strength against magical lifeforms. Magical lifeforms—that is, slimes and golems that are physically impossible in nature, undead reanimated by magic, and even gods, who are considered masses of high magical power—all rely on magic and skills to sustain their internal life functions. If they cannot exercise those, they cannot maintain their physical forms. In the case of a Doppelganger, since it requires food for self-maintenance, the crucial factor might be whether it can generate magical power internally.
From this perspective, magical lifeforms seem to have only disadvantages. However, they do not fundamentally require food in spaces where a constant supply of magical power is available, which is an advantage. Furthermore, because they are masses of magical power, their strength lies in their ability to store that power and convert it into force regardless of their level. Though, training the individual to control that would likely be necessary.
**・Regarding the Range of Effect**
As mentioned above, while it is an extremely powerful skill, its range is actually quite small, with a diameter of about 30 meters. It is not very useful in large-scale battles. In fact, in large-scale combat, the risk of being crushed by sheer numbers increases, so I would not recommend using it.
**・Regarding the Duration of Effect**
This seems to depend on Taizo’s own capabilities. When he first arrived in Weed, it was around 30 minutes, but as a result of "Weed-style" leveling, he can now maintain it for nearly three hours.
**・Does it have a barrier-like effect?**
The question is whether it can block magic or skills activated outside the range of effect. Anything created entirely of magical power loses its maintenance and activation. However, it has been determined that it has no effect on magic that manifests physical matter to be thrown, or on physical energy derived from body enhancement. In other words, fire or lightning will vanish because the magical power required to converge and guide them is negated, but if a stone or a chunk of ice is fired via magic, the energy of the object in motion is already generated, so it will continue to fly at its current speed until it naturally decelerates and falls. Therefore, I have judged that it is unreliable as a barrier or shield, and it is safer to use existing magical defensive walls.
**・Methods to Counter This Skill**
Naturally, one could simply have the user stop the skill, or deprive them of consciousness or life. As an indirect method, preparing decoys can delay the magical decay of the magical lifeform's main body. This has been confirmed to be effective with the magical-consumption-dampening pendants developed in the New Continent, but as noted, it only delays the process. In terms of brute force, it has been confirmed that if one possesses super-magical power like Luna, they can surpass and obstruct Taizo’s skill. Then again, only Luna has that kind of power, so that’s a bit of an extreme argument.
**・Comprehensive Judgment**
One can expect tremendous effects against specific opponents. However, on the flip side, the effect is applied indiscriminately to everyone within the range—friend and foe alike—making it a double-edged sword that is extremely difficult to use. If one were to use it, it would be better suited not for combat, but as a defensive measure during negotiations or discussions to prevent sudden magical or skill-based interference. It might be similar to the magic and skill-prohibition areas found in dungeons. Well, strictly speaking, it’s different, but that is the closest comparison.
"Hmm. When I first experienced the effect, I thought it was a terrifying skill, but it’s full of holes, isn't it?"
"I suppose so. Well, I understand why Firia is worried."
"And, while I seem to be just for show, what kind of armament are you planning to have the actual escort members carry?"
"For the close-range escort, it’ll be Jessica, Ria, and Riel. I’ll have them carry melee weapons. The other side will likely be less guarded if they are women."
"I see. That makes sense. And since you said 'close-range,' that means there are others, right?"
"Of course. I’ll have the dungeon-clearing task force led by Steve deployed so they can storm the room or take sniper shots at a moment’s notice. Their equipment will be primarily firearms."
"My, my..."
If something happens, the opponent will be unable to use magic or skills and will be turned into a beehive. We just have to endure for that short while.
Yeah, as always, it’s terrifying.
"And while that Taizo-san is negotiating, we will seize control of the dungeon. If magic and skills are sealed, they won't be able to obtain external information. That is the real objective."
The negotiation itself is a decoy... you’re a monster.
And, sorry everyone.
I will release the Q&A corner at the end of October.
Things have been a bit chaotic, so I apologize for the delay.
As I mentioned before, I’m going to Yokohama in November for a friend’s wedding, and preparing for the speech, buying a new suit, and so on is quite a hassle.
Also, I arrive on November 4th, the ceremony is on the 5th, and I head back after that. I’d love to hang out if I have the time, but the truth is I don’t know anything about Tokyo, so I’m stuck.
Anyone want to show me around and hang out? (Shameless)