第１６７２堀：演習という運動 (Part2)

第１６７２堀：演習という運動 (Part2)

Well, I thought they'd win if they could respond properly, but then, for some reason, most of Team 2 charged directly at Team 1's shielded vanguard.

"Huh?"

Stasia let out a foolish sound, seemingly caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, as Team 2 collided with Team 1's vanguard. As expected, most of the initial blows were parried by shields, and even the students whose attacks managed to land couldn't inflict enough damage to eliminate anyone before being forced to withdraw...

"Bring them down!"

" " "Yeah!" " "

With that cry, the long spear unit, positioned behind Team 1's shields, brought their weapons down in a perfect strike, instantly eliminating about four individuals. Four out of fifteen is roughly a third, so the damage was considerable. The downward thrust of a long spear truly packs a punch.

Perhaps startled by the eliminations, Team 2's movements faltered. Capitalizing on this, the shielded sword unit struck once, followed by another long spear thrust that took out three more. However, three members of Team 2, attacking from the flank, managed to cut into the long spear unit, eliminating three of Team 1's members who were left defenseless. Perhaps it was a lack of training in switching from long spears to swords, or the shielded members' inability to provide immediate cover that led to this.

From then on, their formation crumbled into a melee. Only three had attacked from the flank, while from the front, Team 1 had eliminated seven, leaving Team 2 with five. Team 1, in contrast, had twelve members remaining. Unfortunately, the flank attackers were quickly countered and wiped out after eliminating two more. Meanwhile, the five fighting head-on also managed to force through and eliminate two before being completely wiped out, concluding the match.

"That's it. Everyone, gather here."

I had worried about it dragging on, but I was relieved it ended within the allotted time. Someone like Riel might have asked for another round, but I checked the students for injuries while distributing water.

"Now, the results were starkly different this time. Team 1 completely overwhelmed Team 2, despite having lost earlier."

"Losing itself isn't bad. What's important is to consider *why* you lost."

"Tori is right. Victory and defeat are common in warfare; there are times you win, and times you lose. What's crucial is not to be swayed by it, but to properly review, reflect, and avoid making the same mistakes. That will lead to the ability to survive in real combat."

"Survive... in real combat."

"Exactly. You will rarely fight like this. But it's not impossible. When that time comes, you'll need to assess your own strength and the enemy's without panicking, and guide the situation to a resolution."

The students swallowed hard at Stasia's words. It felt like they had never considered this before. Well, for a school meant for studying abroad, perhaps it was to be expected.

"Furthermore, while it's peaceful now, not long ago, battles just like the one you fought were happening everywhere. Assembling an army, deciding troop types, setting formations, and facing the enemy. You could say that, though on a different scale, you just engaged in the same kind of battle."

"This... was happening."

"Yes, there was no safety, and lives were exchanged. That's precisely why we must maintain this peace, and why we cannot afford to be complacent in preparation for emergencies. While I don't know if this kind of learning will continue in this academy, I hope it proves to be a valuable experience for all of you."

With those words, Stasia concluded.

"Also, the next class will be the same, so it would be wise for you all to consider your tactics. Since these activities involve physical movement and clear wins and losses, they might be a good change of pace for those of you who are always studying."

"Ahaha, some of you might not be good at physical activity, but moving around vigorously can be quite refreshing, and even if you're not athletic, you can contribute by thinking. So, everyone, give it your best!"

And so, the class concluded.

"Tori, Stasia, would you sell us a set of those tools?" "Yes, as His Majesty says, could you sell them to us? Since no one dies, we can practice to our heart's content. I never imagined those tools from back then could be used like this outside..."

Thus, Emperor Yupia and Shōū-san pressed them. Come to think of it, they did participate in a shooting game, didn't they? Children love the idea of fighting, especially war games. While it might be said they're underestimating reality, it's also a time when they're full of motivation. Education is truly difficult, isn't it?