第８０３堀：海で遊ぼう？ (Part2)
"Ah, I see. So that is how you intend to temper us. In that case, we must step into the sea at once."
For some reason, Princess Stasia accepted the situation with startling compliance, walking straight toward the churning, tempestuous waters.
"W-wait, Princess Stasia, that’s dangerous!"
As I cried out in alarm and moved to intercept her, the surface of the sea suddenly erupted. No—something emerged from the depths, lunging directly at the Princess.
"Princess Stasia!?"
"Oh. So you’ve arrived."
No sooner had she spoken than the Princess drew a blade from her ring’s item box, assumed a fluid stance, and slashed through the creature in a single motion. It happened so fast my eyes could barely track the movement, but as the severed limb plummeted and landed right in front of me, the reality of the situation set in.
*Thud.*
"Eek!?"
"Are you alright, Enola?"
"Y-yes, I am."
"My apologies. But this leg is..."
The object lying before us was unmistakable.
"It’s an octopus tentacle. A massive one, at that. Shall we take it back? They’re quite delicious, you know."
"Senior Mikos, we are technically in the middle of training..."
"You may take it. Though, only once this training is concluded."
"What do you mean by that? Training means—wait, whoaahhh!?"
Before Hairen could finish her sentence, a tentacle whipped out, ensnared her, and hoisted her into the air.
"Hairen!?"
Even Princess Stasia, perhaps caught off guard by the sudden assault on Hairen, shouted in surprise.
"Hmm. So that’s how it is. Though, Enol, you don't seem particularly flustered."
"I know Yuki is behind this, so I’m not worried. If anything, I’d welcome a bit more of a trial by fire."
"Well, that’s fine for you, but shouldn't we deal with this octopus monster before us? Otherwise, this training might never end."
Behind us, Enol and the others remained unnervingly calm. I agreed that with Yuki watching, there was no true cause for alarm—but I had heard enough from Kagura and the others to know that Yuki’s "training" held no mercy. There was no risk of death or permanent injury, but the sheer misery of the experience was legendary.
It was the stuff of hellish boot camps. I recalled it being on par with the haunted house experience I’d been dragged into at Lady Luna’s request. Seeing Hairen dangling in the air, I couldn't afford to be complacent.
"Um, Deryu-san, could you please do something about this?"
I turned to the Demon Lord Deryu, the strongest combatant present, for assistance.
"Hm? No, I am the supervisor here. I shall intervene if it becomes truly dire, but for now, there is no need. If you seek aid, ask Enol or Agil beside you."
Ah, right. Deryu was the overseer. If she stepped in, the training would lose its purpose.
"Then, Enol-sama?"
"I’m afraid I’m out as well. Let an old woman be."
"I figured as much. Then, I beg of you, General Agil, please help us!"
With only General Agil remaining, I made my plea.
"Sigh. I suppose I’m the most inexperienced among this lot. And I can’t use my lightning magic sword... the difficulty level is quite high, isn't it?"
Complaining all the while, she drew a standard blade.
"Kagura and the rest of you! The opponent isn't Deryu! If you move properly, you can win!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Encouraged, I steeled my resolve and answered firmly.
"Hey, hold on. Don't go comparing people to monsters."
I ignored Deryu’s grumbling from behind and began my assault on the octopus’s limbs. Because—
"Stop talking and save me already!? It’s all slimy and gross!? Aaaahhh!?"
Right before our eyes, our goddess was being subjected to a truly wretched ordeal!
"Kagura, no lightning! You’ll electrocute Hairen! Stick to fire for suppression!"
"Understood!"
"Princess Stasia, cut the tentacle and rescue her. You’re the only one with the skill to pull it off."
"Leave it to me."
"The rest of you, provide cover! There’s more than one tentacle, so don't let them interfere!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
As expected of General Agil. Her judgment and commands were flawless. Thanks to her, I could follow her instructions with total peace of mind!
And so, our desperate battle upon the sea began.
The ocean is full of dangers, you know!! It’s the truth!! I’m sure all of you have been attacked by a giant octopus at least once, right?