第８５８堀：戦闘訓練の真意 (Part1)

The 858th Chasm: The True Meaning of Combat Training

Side: Yuki

Even though it was a summer beach, we waited for everyone to gather in our stuffy everyday clothes, without changing into swimsuits. Taiki and I were waiting.

"It's hot. Not just hot, but *burning* hot."

"...Why did you set the temperature like this? Ah, it's so hot."

"Well, that's because we're aiming for a southern resort destination."

Taiki and I chatted about such trivial things while relaxing under the meager shade of a beach umbrella.

"...Then shouldn't we change into swimsuits too?"

"We can't do that. While I'm bringing Sea-chan, investigation reports from the blue holes are still coming in. I need to check them one by one. We might have to return immediately depending on the situation. Is it okay if we have to return in swimsuits?"

"Well, that's true, but..."

Yes, our work wasn't over yet.

The biggest challenge this time was to identify the sunken ship near the blue hole.

As for the appearance of more monsters, there have been no reports from the fleet so far, so the cause is likely the magic gear recovered by Shi-chan.

Investigating that thoroughly might reveal something.

"So, why is this a training session for Sea-chan and Asurin-chan's group? It doesn't concern you, does it? And why are we here to observe?"

"While it's not directly related, I want to confirm how strong Sea-chan is in the sea. Until now, the opponents in the sea, other than Sea-chan's kin, have only been monsters from Weed."

"Ah, so you want combat data from the sea."

"Exactly. According to Sea-chan, there's a monster called a Leviathan, so we need combat data and experience."

In that sense, it was a fortunate thing that we were able to form a friendly relationship with Sea-chan this time.

She clearly stated that she would cooperate. She might even help with exploring areas with abundant magic, depending on the conditions.

Above all, she's an expert in sea combat, so there's nothing more reassuring than that.

"But, no matter how you look at it, will Kagura's group, let alone Asurin-chan's group, really lose? You trained them, didn't you, Yuki-san? Or rather, is there a choice for you to fight...?"

"That is out of the question, Taiki-sama. That option is rejected."

"Hmm. It is unacceptable for the commander to fight himself. You of all people should know that, Taiki."

Before I could retort, Kirue and Deryu cut me off decisively.

Well, that was true, but there was another simple reason...

"Besides, Yuki-san and Taiki-san, if you encountered monsters of Sea-chan's level, unless it was absolutely necessary, you would either retreat and come back later, or end it with an overwhelmingly powerful blow that would guarantee victory, right?"

"We would."

As Milly said, in our case, when it comes to serious training, it boils down to how to create a situation where we can win without actually fighting.

That's not really combat training, is it?

I don't gamble in battles, and I would never take a dangerous risk to protect my wives.

I don't want to die either.

"Then there's no point in combat training at all. ...Frankly, I doubt whether the Master needs underwater training in the first place."

"Hmm. While it might be true for Taiki, I don't think it would be actual combat training if Yuki did it."

"Deryu is right. If it were Yuki-san, he'd probably defeat Sea-chan in an instant without giving her a chance to move."

"Ah, I can see that."

"No, why are you the one saying that, Taiki-kun?"

"Because, in reality, I've never won a one-on-one fight against you."

"No, no, you've lost. In cards, Othello, and even Shogi."

"..."

Ah, they're all looking at me blankly.

"Alright, alright. I'm sorry. However, please don't talk about me like I'm some kind of invincible monster adapted to all environments."

That's only for those three.

I'm doing my best as a support role.

"Anyway, my strength aside, Labiriss and the others have appeared. Oh, Asurin, you're serious."

My gaze was directed towards Asurin, who was not the usual little girl but a young lady who had emerged from the cottage.

"That's right. It's her true form, which she only shows during training in Weed."

"Hmm. In that form, her reach changes, so her fighting style also changes. And she's grown so much."

"It's been quite some time since we came to Weed. The children have grown too."

"No, even so, Asurin-chan seems to have grown too much."

I honestly agreed with Taiki's last comment.

She had grown to an astonishing degree.

Shera had also grown, and she was the one who best fit the description of a young lady.

Asurin, on the other hand, had already surpassed 160 cm in height and possessed a magnificent figure.

For reference, the little girl Asurin was only 132 cm tall, a real shrimp.

"So, why are Kagura and the others behind her looking so gloomy?"

Well, to be precise, only Princess Stasia was as usual, but Kagura, Mikos, Solo, and Enora all seemed to be carrying a dark shadow.

"...Looking at their gazes, they're probably disheartened after witnessing Asurin-sama's true form? However, she has become so magnificent. Her movements are perfect. There are no openings at all."

"Ah, that Asurin is cute! And her style is outstanding! We raised her with great care, so it's natural, of course. And her combat skills too!"

"Yes. She's even learned how to walk in a way that captivates. Firia and the others are also doing well, so they won't be attacked by any means."

"..."

With the words of the three, I understood well.

Well, as a man, I can't fully grasp it, but they probably feel like they've lost in various ways as women.

Well, that's how much the true form of Asurin is both a beautiful girl and a beautiful woman.

And then, for some reason, there were even more ominous comments...

"...Yuki-san. It seems like Asurin-chan and the others are receiving some rather dangerous guidance from the older sisters."

"...Well. I did encourage it. It's not a bad thing, but..."

"Combined with Yuki-san's guidance and Deryu-san's guidance, I can't even imagine their current strength."

"...Well, it's to see their abilities, so it should be fine. If this makes them understand that simple battles don't exist, that's good. I also want them to understand that we've been overprotective."

Yes, I felt that Asurin and Firia lacked a sense of crisis.

Well, I always tell them, but after hearing their desire to go out to sea this time, I felt even more strongly that they lacked a sense of crisis.

When such things are understood through actual combat, it usually means the end of their lives.

That's why I wanted Sea-chan to thoroughly defeat them before they made such a mistake...

"It seems like they're going to win too easily..."

"Sea-chan won't die, right?"

I thought that couldn't be the case, but a bad premonition wouldn't stop.

As I hesitated, wondering if I should stop them, Kirue and the others called out to me.