第１１１５堀：倒れない (Part2)
"If she can grow further, then there's no issue. So, Wazfi can join the Great Tree Sea expedition without any problems. The only thing left is the opinion of the members she'll be working with..."
Yuki said this, casting his gaze toward Agil and Comet.
Ah, that’s right. I’ll be exploring the Great Tree Sea with these two.
If they can't get along, no matter how skilled she is, she’ll be nothing but a hindrance.
This is something I must clarify.
"I have no complaints. Besides, if she can fight Deryu to this extent, it doesn't look like she'll have any trouble in the Great Tree Sea."
"Same here. That said, we should probably run some coordination drills. She seems to have a penchant for charging in headfirst, and I’d like to avoid any friendly fire."
"True enough. I’ve only seen her close-quarters combat, so we need to see how she fares in long-range engagements. However, my assessment is that she hasn't even considered the concept of teaming up with anyone. After all, she kept attacking until the very end. If she had been thinking about fighting as part of a unit, she would have conceded the moment the tide turned."
"Could it be that Wazfi just has a temperament that demands she fight to the bitter end, at least in matches?"
"Well, that’s not impossible, but in the Great Tree Sea, we’re dealing with monsters. If she doesn't know when to retreat from a dangerous foe, she’ll end up getting the whole party wiped out. Still, this is just my speculation. She might actually coordinate with her allies better than we think."
As I reflected on the mock battle, the other members who had been watching from afar began to approach.
"Sorry to interrupt your chat, but heh, Wazfi actually coordinates with me just fine. We’ve accompanied each other to the Great Tree Sea for monster materials before, you know."
"Oh, that’s surprising. No, wait—I suppose it’s only natural since you’ve been supporting Nairua in various ways? But then, why did she keep charging in like that earlier?"
"Ah, maybe Micos-chan gets it. It’s that, isn't it? Since there’s no risk of dying right now, she just wanted to go all-out?"
"Hmm. I see. So she’s never had an opponent she could go all-out against until now? But wait, Nairua is ranked first, isn't she? And there’s Popuri, too. It doesn't seem like she’s unable to go all-out at the Academy, at least?"
"W-well, my style centers on trickery. I win by sealing Wazfi’s movements, so the meaning of 'going all-out' is, u-um, different. That goes for Principal Popuri as well."
Hmm, Nairua’s explanation is convincing.
The others seem to agree as well...
"I see. Indeed, Nairua uses tools, and Popuri lays down an overwhelming barrage of magic. By keeping her at a distance, the outcome is decided before Wazfi can even utilize her strengths."
"So, this mock battle with Deryu was a rare opportunity for Wazfi to face an opponent against whom she could truly go all-out."
"Well, it’s rare to find an opponent you can go all-out against. In that sense, Deryu was the ideal partner. Even if the result was a crushing defeat, she surely gained something from it."
I passed that judgment on Wazfi, but the mock battles have only just begun.
Standing around here chatting won't accomplish anything.
"Alright, until Wazfi recovers, Nairua. You're next."
"Huh? Me? Um, I’m not exactly planning on challenging the Great Tree Sea, though..."
"I know that. But it is necessary to grasp your true capabilities. Show me the skill that allowed you to defeat Wazfi."
"Ehh. Um, Yuki. Is this really..."
"It’s necessary. Besides, you won't die, so feel free to go all-out. It’ll give us peace of mind to know your true strength, won't it?"
"N-no. I think my strength was shown well enough in the fight against Wazfi... no matter how I look at it, I don't see any chance of me winning?"
"Just because you have no chance of winning doesn't mean the enemy will soften their attacks. Especially since you’re being hunted by Enaria. We need to train you properly for that."
"...Ugh, so there's no escaping this, is there? Um, I don't have a chance of winning alone, so can I bring Kagura and the others?"
"Hm? Ah, we'll do that later."
" " "Eh?" " "
"Why do you all look so surprised? Why do you think I had Kagura and the others prepare? Stasia and Enola seem motivated, but the rest of you need to get your heads back in the game."
It seems that ever since the battle at Zlable ended, everyone has gone soft.
Hmm, I suppose I’ll have to knock some sense into them with my fists to wake them up.
Those who fight with their fists never fall until the very end.
Why are there so many spirited women around here, anyway?
Oh, Nairua?
That’ll be for another day, I suppose.