第１６７２堀：演習という運動 (Part1)
Chapter 1672: The Exercise Called a Drill
Side: Tori
"Alright, everyone, today we’re doing a mini war game. You all understand the rules, right?"
"Yes!"
I had some trouble at the police station recently, so I left things to Jessica, but today Stasia and I are handling the class together.
That said, the end of the term is drawing near, so starting today, we’re moving into special lessons.
And that is the mini war game I just mentioned.
I’ve adopted the rules Yuki-san used for his team-based shooting battles exactly as they were.
It uses a magic gauge system; once you take a certain amount of damage, the gauge empties, and you’re eliminated.
"Right then, let’s start the first match!"
"Waaaah!"
With those cheers, the students charged forward.
We’ve split the class of thirty into two teams of fifteen.
Victory is determined by the number of survivors after a set time, or by wiping out the opposing team entirely.
"Well, the goal for now is just to have fun and get used to it, but both sides charged in without a second thought, didn't they?"
"Well, it is just an open field with no obstacles, after all."
Stasia watched the battlefield, looking honestly exasperated.
Still, it’s a narrow field with only fifteen soldiers per side.
Plus, there are no commanders or kings to serve as weak points, so it really is just a free-for-all.
Of course, they could try to implement strategies, but well, they are just students.
"Come to think of it, Stasia, what was the criteria for the team split?"
"I basically ensured an even gender ratio. I didn't take physique into account. Oh, and I didn't look at their skills, either. If we started doing that, there would be no end to it."
"I see. In that case, do you think there will be a bias in strength?"
The presence or absence of skills makes a significant difference.
However, even if there is a gap, it changes once you clash with someone who is actually good at fighting.
Yuki-san is a prime example of that.
Skills are merely an auxiliary tool; how well you use them depends entirely on the person.
"There will be. It’s a head-on collision without any real thought. That said, I suspect the students are also trying to gauge for themselves just how well they can fight. They realize they won't know until they combine it with practical experience."
"Ah, that’s probably true."
If they didn't have at least that much wisdom, they wouldn't have been able to get into the International Exchange School in the first place.
While I was thinking about that, just as Stasia predicted, everyone began to collide with the opponents in front of them.
"Uwooh!"
"Deryaa!"
"I won't lose!"
"Mugiii!"
Yeah, everyone is doing their own thing.
That said, even among the students, there are differences in physique, and since we’ve standardized their equipment to swords and shields, the difference in their arm strength is starting to show.
"Dah!"
"Guh!"
"Kyaa!"
"Found an opening!"
Within less than three minutes of combat, about half of them had taken the set amount of damage and were ejected from the field.
"Stasia, I’m going to go check if the students are hurt."
"Very well. I will remain here to monitor the situation."
With that, I immediately headed over to the side of the ejected students.
"Everyone, are you all uninjured?"
"Yes. No injuries. It really does send us over here, doesn't it?"
"What an amazing tool."
The students seemed to be reconfirming their situation, clearly surprised by the wonder of the device.
Yeah, we were surprised by that tool, too.
I remember thinking that Zargis was incredible for taking a hint from a game and building it just like that.
As we were talking about that...
"That’s it! The winner of this round is Team 2!"
Before I knew it, only two teams remained on the field, and the match had been decided.
Since there were about three people left on Team 2, it was essentially a mutual destruction.
I went on to check the remaining students to ensure they were uninjured before bringing them back to Stasia.
"No injuries, the equipment is functioning normally."
"That is good to hear. Everyone, I will ask again: is anyone in pain?"
"We are fine."
One student answered as a representative, and the others nodded.
Looking at them, there don't seem to be any issues.
"Then, Tori will distribute water, so please drink that and take a break."
"Coming! Here you go. I believe you’ve studied this, but it’s water in a plastic bottle."
"Ooh!"
It’s quite amusing to watch them take the bottles I hand them with such curiosity, gingerly twisting the caps to open them.
I realize now that this must be how Yuki-san felt watching us.
And once everyone had settled down...
"Alright, I think everyone has calmed down, but next, I’m going to bring out various weapons. Let’s try another match with the same teams, but this time, try changing your weapons or your strategies."
"Yes. As Ria said, let’s try fighting using tools and strategies from here on out. However, since you won't be able to come up with strategies or choose equipment immediately, considering the remaining time... let’s say 15 minutes for strategy planning. Please be aware that this includes choosing your equipment."
Stasia said this while checking her watch.
"Now, strategy meeting, begin."
At her command, the students scrambled to split into their teams and began their discussions.
"Do you think they can do anything in just 15 minutes?"
"They won't be able to come up with anything too clever, I suppose. Still, this will allow us to do the same for the next class."
"You aren't just doing this to make things easier for yourself, are you?"
"Hah, of course not. I am looking forward to seeing what kind of... well, what kind of strategies they come up with by the next class. Though, I will be changing the team compositions."
"Won't that break the premise of their strategies?"
"There is no such thing as things going according to plan in this world. This, too, is experience."
"You’re strict, Stasia."
"This is what a soldier is."
While we were talking, the students came over to look at and pick up the weapons, and the 15 minutes passed in the blink of an eye.
"That’s it! Now, take your designated positions. We will begin the second match."
As Stasia said this sharply, the students moved immediately.
It’s proof that Stasia has been firmly recognized as a teacher through our lessons so far.
And finally, the second match began.
"Begin!"
"Waaaah!"
I expected cheers and a charge just like before, but instead, the team that lost the first round began to advance in step, with shield-bearing swordsmen and a unit armed with long spears.
In contrast, Team 2 simply chose weapons that suited them and charged in scattered, just like before.
Honestly, I want to root for Team 1 to win, but...
"With equal numbers, the difference in mobility is too great."
"Indeed."
Yes, normally one would say Team 1, which is moving under proper command, has the advantage, but since both are amateurs, Team 2, which can run around freely, looks like they have the upper hand.