第５８８堀：ようじょつよい (Part2)
"That’s enough for the lecture. You should try showing your face at Yuki-dono’s classes for the rest."
"What? I’m still..."
"Not defeated, are you? I’ll give you credit for your enthusiasm, at least. But kid, learn to gauge the difference in strength between you and your opponent before you speak."
Popuri said this, and in an instant, she shaped the massive fireball she had been holding into a literal arrow, launching it toward Geman.
"Eek!?"
*BOOOOM!!*
A deafening explosion echoed through the training grounds, accompanied by Geman’s scream.
...He’s still alive, right? Geman.
I felt a twinge of worry, but as the smoke cleared, I was relieved to see Geman slumped on the ground. However, the rest of the crowd wasn't concerned with his safety; they were stunned by Popuri’s display.
They were likely shocked not just by the initial trick, but by the fact that she had refined it into a high-powered magical projectile. Furthermore, floating in the air above Geman were—well, calling it "innumerable" might be an exaggeration, but there were at least thirty of those fire arrows, all pointed down at him.
It was as if she were saying she could turn him into a pincushion at any moment.
"Now then, Geman-kun. Shall we continue?"
"...I give up."
Only then did Geman finally utter his surrender.
"WAAAAAAAHHHH!!"
Cheers echoed throughout the training grounds. It seemed Geman had decided not to push his luck and had given up. He walked toward the exit with slumped shoulders, radiating a sense of melancholy.
"Geman-kun. It’s a bit early to turn your back on us."
"?"
Popuri called out to him, and Geman turned back, looking as if he had no idea why he’d been stopped.
"My lecture is over, but you haven't seen my match yet. Watching others fight is a common way to improve one's own strength."
"Haha. Who would dare face you? The only one in this academy who could stand against you is Principal Grimo-sama. Even Kagura-senpai can’t fly, so it would be one-sided."
As Geman said this, everyone’s eyes turned toward the Principal, who had come with us.
"N-no. As expected, that scale of power is a bit much for my old age..."
He replied, looking like it was impossible. I agreed. I mean, he’s an old man. You shouldn't push yourself.
But Popuri named someone else.
"Well, that may be true as far as you know, Geman-kun. But I did say I was a guest, didn't I? The world is a vast place. Labyris-kun, Aslin-kun, Firia-kun. Are you ready?"
As Popuri turned her gaze in another direction...
"Oh? I was told to bring them to where Kagura and Yuki were..."
"Are you going to have a match with Popuri-oneechan?"
"Please wait a moment. We are currently guiding Kagura-sama to Brother’s location."
There stood the trio of little girls with Kagura. Today, thanks to Princess Cleena’s arrangements, the three were attending classes as students rather than teachers to get a feel for the lower-level curriculum. It was a perfect opportunity to gauge the academic level of the Magic Academy.
It was much the same as when they were with Popuri. Though, it was easier here since they could choose whether or not to participate. So, it seemed Kagura had missed me, gone to look for me, met the three of them, and had them guide her back here.
How unfortunate.
"Ah, in that case, they’re right over here."
As Popuri said this and looked toward us, Kanna raised her voice.
"Kagura!! Over here!!"
"Ah, we really did just miss each other."
Kagura slumped down, exhausted. She must have been running around like crazy.
"Well then, Labyris-kun. Are you ready to be my opponent..."
"Alright, let's do our best!!"
"Yeah! Let's go!!"
"Oh my. Popuri, you’re going to try your best too? Three against one?"
Popuri stiffened, a smile still plastered on her face. The three girls launched themselves into the air where Popuri was hovering, and everyone in the training grounds—save for the members of Weed—froze. Given the way Labyris was giggling, it was clear she was the one who had instigated the "three-on-one" match.
Well, there was no need to drag things out, and it might be a good chance for the three who hadn't participated in the magic demonstration to show their true strength, but...
"W-wait a minute!?"
"Oh? What are you saying after deploying so much magic in the air? Come on, let’s do our best."
"Yeah, here we go!!"
"Let's go!!"
With that, the three of them instantly deployed magic on the same scale as Popuri and fired without hesitation. Popuri scrambled to intercept. Whether it was thanks to having deployed her magic first or her long years of experience in real combat, she managed to shoot down all of their barrages, but the next wave was already prepared. From there, an aerial battle ensued, with Popuri desperately dodging.
"Gyaaaa!? Yuki-dono!! H-help meeee!?"
"No way. You were the one who said something cool, so hold out a little longer. I’m already handling the stray shots over here."
And from that day on...
A rumor spread throughout the academy: *The little girls of Weed are strong.*
"A-ahahaha..."
Geman let out a refreshing, dry laugh, showing no signs of holding a grudge. With this, he had grown as a person once again.
For those of you who thought, "Wait, isn't Popuri not from Weed?"—this was the punchline.
With that, the impression of Weed and the If Continent has been solidified to a certain extent.
Now, will Labyris and the others be able to enjoy a normal, fun school life starting next time?!
Look forward to it.