第１１１３堀：拳で戦う者の特性 (Part2)
"Yes. I fight with my fists at times, too. Though, I suppose I more often rely on heavy weaponry like maces."
"Well, it is true that priests tend to favor such weapons. I wonder why that is, though?"
"I’ve never really thought about it, but now that you mention it, you’re right—blunt instruments are far more common than blades."
Lost in the thought of *why* that might be, I realized we had already arrived in front of the laboratory.
"Well, we can ponder that later. This is Weed’s laboratory and living quarters. It’s our room, too, and right now, Comet and the others are in the middle of preparing for the Great Forest survey alongside Wazfi."
"Oh? So this is the place. Very well, I shall enter without ceremony."
With that, Deryu pushed the door open and strode inside with an air of absolute authority, and I followed close behind.
Inside, the scene was unfolding as follows...
"So, Wazfi, you’re saying it’s best to scout the route first?"
"Yes. While the aerial reconnaissance seems thorough, the Great Forest is so densely overgrown that even walking through it is a struggle. We must determine a route first, then decide whether to bypass obstacles or carve a path through them."
"I suppose that’s true. We can’t exactly rely on animal trails, can we?"
"Exactly. Animal trails belong to the other inhabitants. In the Great Forest, those are the paths used by monsters, so the likelihood of a direct encounter is high. And while we are capable of exterminating monsters, this is a survey mission, not a hunt..."
"It would defeat the purpose if we ended up killing all the monsters. So, finding a path that accounts for that is the safer bet. But won't carving a path make enough noise to put the monsters on high alert?"
"That is precisely why we need to determine the route first. We can go once to confirm, then decide on the necessary course of action."
"Oh, that’s a long-winded way of doing things. I suppose that’s the nature of this kind of research—slow and steady wins the race."
"I suppose so. Then, let’s decide where to start and how we’ll traverse the Great Forest."
They were huddled together, eyes fixed on a map, deeply engrossed in planning the survey of the Great Forest’s monsters. They were so focused that they hadn't even noticed our presence.
I hesitated, worried that calling out to them might give them a fright. While I was wondering how to handle the situation...
"Comet, Agil, I’ve arrived."
"Hm? Oh, Deryu. And Enola, too."
"Oh? What’s this? Did you finish cleaning up at Nairua’s place? And wait, Deryu, weren't you with Weed?"
"Wait, did the message not reach you?"
"Yoo-hoo! Hey, Enola. And who is this stunning girl with you?"
It was rare for Yuki to forget to send a message. And as always, Wazfi was completely unfazed by whoever she was speaking to—even a Demon Lord.
"Indeed. Enola guided me here. I have business with that one there, Wazfi."
"Eh? With me?"
"What’s this about?"
"Wait, has Deryu ever shown interest in monster surveys? Do you want to see the data?"
Though they all tilted their heads in confusion, Agil assumed a reason for her arrival and held out the documents.
"No, I have not come to assist with your research. I have come to judge whether Wazfi is capable of accompanying the expedition into the Great Forest, and to train her accordingly."
"“Ah.”"
"What does that mean?"
Comet and Agil understood immediately, but Wazfi, who didn't know Deryu, remained tilted in confusion.
"Wazfi. If you are weak, I cannot allow you to be taken into the Great Forest. That is all."
"Eh? I’m weak?"
"Precisely. To verify that, you are to engage in a mock battle with Deryu here."
"With her? Wait, I’ll have you know I’m the second-ranked student at the academy. I’m strong!"
"Oh, I have heard as much. It seems you use your fists, much like myself. That is precisely why I must see your fighting style for myself. Your strength or weakness will become apparent soon enough."
Deryu wasn't looking for a contest so much as an observation of her movements. Meanwhile, Wazfi’s reaction to being called "weak" suggested she had quite the competitive streak.
"I see. Very well. I’d like to see everyone’s movements as well, and if it’s necessary, then so be it. Shall we begin immediately?"
"Indeed, let us. Comet, Agil, I shall also see if your skills have grown dull from all this research."
"“Ugh!?”"
Well, that was to be expected. For magic-types like Comet and Agil, fighting someone like Deryu was an absolute nightmare.
"And while I am at it, everyone is participating—Nairua and Enola included."
"Ugh."
Oh, great. The fire had spread to us, too.
It is a universal truth in boys' comics that those who fight with their fists are, fundamentally, battle junkies.