第８４５堀：訓練と敵の狙い (Part1)
**Chapter 845: Training and the Enemy’s Aim**
**Side: Mikos**
Following the monster attack, we, the Haiden party, have been proceeding with our scheduled magic instruction for the Seacypho military.
When the monsters first struck, I’ll admit I panicked a little. But, as expected, the enemy couldn't even get close to our ship before being annihilated by Shera-chan. In the end, we didn't even get a chance to step in.
If I had to submit a report saying I couldn't perform my duties because of that, the Princess would surely strangle me.
So, regarding the results of the practical training...
"Yes. Next."
"Yes, sir! Fireball!"
The Seacypho soldier shouted with great spirit, thrusting their hand forward...
*Silence.*
A heavy quiet descended, broken only by the gentle sound of the waves.
Yeah. Well, I knew this would happen, but these moments are always painful. I certainly don't intend to write an article about this situation. It would only come across as picking a fight with Seacypho.
Just as I was thinking that...
*Fwoosh...*
With a faint sound, a tiny, flickering flame actually appeared.
" " "Ohhh!!" " "
Even for such a small flame, the Seacypho soldiers erupted in excitement. Honestly, for the third day of training, this result is actually quite impressive.
"Try not to forget that sensation. Next."
"Yes, ma'am!"
And so, we continued our practical instruction for the Seacypho military. Before we knew it, break time arrived, and we dismissed the students.
"...Mikos, Solo, what do you think?"
"What do I think? That's a tough question."
"I think it's going quite well, don't you?"
We held a meeting during the break. As instructors, these meetings are necessary, but answering Kagura’s question was difficult. It’s not that I think they’re doing poorly. It’s clear that every Seacypho soldier is giving their absolute best. As Solo said, in terms of the rate of acquisition, it’s going well. I even thought that Kagura, Solo, and I might have a talent for teaching.
But...
Seeing me hesitate, Kagura looked my way.
"Mikos, what’s bothering you?"
"Ah, well. I agree with Solo that they’re learning at a good pace. After only two days of theory and one day of practical, some have already succeeded in manifesting magic. But, this is still nowhere near actual combat, is it? That’s why I can’t really say for sure."
"I see. You’re right, Mikos."
Kagura agreed with my assessment. They had clearly selected individuals with potential to send to us, but no matter how you look at it, they are far from combat-ready.
"But, for people who were complete novices to magic to come this far in just three days is amazing, isn't it? Even if, as Mikos-senpai says, combat is still a long way off, if they keep training like this..."
Yes, as Solo says, if they keep training, they might eventually become decent mages. But the goal of Mikos-chan and the Seacypho kingdom is...
"I understand what Solo is saying, but when it comes to mages capable of defeating those monsters..."
We need mages who can deal with the threat currently plaguing Seacypho—specifically, the ones that attacked us earlier.
"Honestly, if you told me to deal with those monsters right now, using the pseudo-guns would be better. Or rather, even in Haiden, how many mages are there who can actually handle those things?"
"That is true, but even if we wanted to use the pseudo-guns, the import of magic stones has stalled, hasn't it?"
Ah, that’s right. Prime Minister Aquamarine mentioned that the import of magic stones has been delayed due to the recent monster attacks. He also said the number of merchant ships coming from afar has decreased. The monster problem is having a serious impact in more ways than one. So, even if we wanted to use the pseudo-guns, we’re helpless if we can’t resupply the ammunition.
"In the worst-case scenario, we’ll have to suggest to Seacypho that they consider importing from Yuki’s side, from Weed. I’ll have to tell Yuki about this, too."
"Geez, I wonder if that’s a good idea? I’m fine with importing from Weed, but the manufacturing is done by the Weed state-run workshop managed by Narjia-san, right? Won't the power levels end up being ridiculous?"
"I-is that really a good idea?"
The absurdity of the weapons Narjia-san crafts is truly something else. If used poorly, you wouldn't just blow yourself up; you'd take the entire fleet with you.
"We’ll make sure to adjust those things properly. She isn't *that* unreasonable, and Yuki wouldn't allow something like that to happen in the first place."
"If Kagura says it’s fine, then I suppose it’s not a problem."
"I think it’s a good idea, too."
I’m satisfied with Kagura’s proposal, but there’s still something that’s been nagging at me.
"That’s fine, but in the end, doesn't it mean there’s no point in teaching them magic in the first place?"
"In terms of training mages in a short period, you’re right. If it were long-term, I don't know, but mages capable of using magic effective against sea monsters... that’s a very tall order. You remember how much blood we shed during that training before we came here, don't you?"
"...We were shredded. I mean, I had chunks of my body bitten off..."
Solo, please don't bring that up. That was truly brutal. It was my first time experiencing being pecked at all over my body; it was beyond imagination. Looking at my injuries back then, I thought I’d never be able to get married. Well, Mikos-chan is already with Yuki-sensei, so that’s fine!
Regardless, a question popped into my mind as we talked.
"Hey, Kagura. It’s a bit late to ask, but why did Seacypho decide to start training new mages now?"
"Eh? Isn't it just because they want to raise new recruits?"
"Hmm, if you put it that way, sure. But in this situation, wouldn't it be more normal to focus on developing magic effective against the monsters? Seacypho already has a mage corps, doesn't it? Doesn't the order of things seem a bit off?"
"But, Senpai. Her Majesty said that if there were a way to learn magic effectively and quickly, they would want it, right? Perhaps they lost a lot of personnel in this battle?"
Yes, that’s what I found strange. If it were just a matter of wanting to raise new recruits efficiently, as Kagura and Solo suggest, it might seem understandable at first glance, but...
"Something is bothering me. They have educational institutions for mages there, too, right? I mean, there were plenty of exchange students from Seacypho at the Haiden Magic Academy."
"That’s true, now that you mention it. They shouldn't be ignorant of Haiden’s educational methods."
"Hmm, and Seacypho has its own magic education institutions. When you put it that way, it does feel strange..."
As we were discussing this, suddenly...
"Instructors. Excuse me."
" " "Eek!?" " "
We were so startled by the sudden voice that we jumped.
"Ah, excuse me. What is it?"