第１７０３堀：戦う上司 (Part1)
Dungeon 1703: Our Boss Fights
Our Boss Fights
Side: Hobis
Arriving at the D4 training grounds, we were witnessing something quite unusual. And what was that, you ask?
"Alright, this should do."
"Yes. You are magnificent, Yuki-sama."
Indeed, Yuki-sama was about to serve as the opponent for Holy and Vilia's joint training.
"No, is there anything to praise just for putting on a tracksuit?"
"For Yuki-sama to engage in combat training, that alone is magnificent."
"Ah, that. But you know I train too, right?"
"Yes. I am aware of your playful sparring with Deryu-sama and Queen Seraria."
Oh, we were all utterly fascinated, as this was the first time we'd ever seen Yuki-sama prepare to fight like this. Just as I was thinking that, Yayu, standing beside me, looked worried...
"Um, excuse me, but will Yuki-sama truly fight?"
"Hmm? Oh, is something troubling you?"
"Ah, well, we've never seen Yuki-sama fight before, and to be honest, we're very worried. We understand he can exercise from his running earlier, but..."
"Yayu is right. Yuki-sama should not participate in such rough activities. It could lead to injury."
Orelia, along with Yayu, was telling Yuki-sama not to take part in combat training. It's true, isn't it? We'd never seen Yuki-sama fight, and if he were to get injured, it would be terrible for our hearts. Even if he could be healed, it's still...
As I was thinking that, Prof, standing next to Yuki-sama, spoke up. "Ah, come to think of it, three of you. No, including Ryushi, that's four. Ah, no, including Holy-dono, that's five who have never seen Yuki-sama fight."
"Oh? Is that so? No, wait. Three of them participated in that shooting battle royale, didn't they? I was there too..."
"They did, but they were still unaware of many things, and it was a gunfight with body enhancements turned off, so they wouldn't have seen Yuki-sama's true power. Training was mostly with Kirika-sama and Jessica-sama."
That's right. When we were new, we were mainly trained by Kirika-sama, Kirue-sama, and Jessica-sama.
"After that, there was the pursuit of the dark guild, and the fighting, and it was all quite hectic. And these three's main job is to assist Yuki-sama with his duties. Fighting Yuki-sama would be a different role for them."
"I see, then it's natural for them to be worried."
We nodded at Yuki-sama's words. If an injury were to affect him and halt his duties, that would truly be a serious matter.
"Alright. Perhaps I should show them that I am a strong employer."
"No, since this is Holy and Vilia's joint training, please go easy on them."
"That's right. If you get serious, Big Brother, we'd lose in an instant."
At those words, not only us but Holy too made a puzzled face. After all, we couldn't imagine Yuki-sama fighting at all. He's slender, doesn't seem to exercise much, and we've only ever seen him sitting at a desk working with us. Ah, I do know he runs in the mornings because I run with him. Still, that doesn't make him seem skilled in combat, does it? If anything, he seems more adept at *not* raising a hand against people. Well, I do know he can make ruthless decisions as someone in a position of power, though.
"Ah, um, Yuki-sama. Please don't overexert yourself."
"Yes, yes. Yayu-san is right. If you get hurt, I'll heal you with recovery magic directly taught by Rurua-sama!"
"Ah, I won't overexert myself. Ryushi, I'll count on you if I get hurt."
For now, it seems the training is set to happen. All we can do is watch over him.
"Well, even so, since it's the first time, let's set some rules."
"Rules?"
"Ah. If it comes to knocking someone out, there will definitely be damage. So, here."
Saying that, Yuki-sama handed Holy and Vilia something that looked like a ball.
"These are training balls. If you hit them hard or they take a strong impact, they'll flatten and the ink inside will come out. Like this."
Explaining this, he squeezed a ball between both hands, and a liquid emerged, staining the ground pink.
Ah, we've trained with those before too. Getting covered head-to-toe in pink was quite a memory, wasn't it?
"I see. So we attach these to ourselves and compete, right?"
"Hmm? Ah, yes. If you can crush my ball, you win. Conversely, if both Holy's and Vilia's are crushed, you lose. As for where to attach them, or rather, hide them inside your clothes, it's generally the center of the chest."
"The chest, a fatal spot. So we have to avoid taking an attack there, then."
"That's right. Well then, let's take some distance from each other and start the match."
As Yuki-sama began to take his distance, Holy called out to him. "Hey. Are you going alone?"
"Yes, but... Oh, you're concerned about that, are you? In that case..."
"Hmph. If I may be so presumptuous, I shall accompany Yuki-sama."
Saying that, Prof took a position beside Yuki-sama. I wanted to say "Me too!", but I suppose Prof, who knows Yuki-sama's fighting style, is the best choice here.
"Alright, then all that's left is a referee..."
"A referee? Doesn't the match end when a ball is crushed?"
"That's true, but before a ball is crushed, there can be hand-to-hand combat or weapon attacks. There are people who will stand up through sheer willpower even with broken bones or internal damage. In fact, many soldiers are like that, so it's necessary to discern such things. If treatment is delayed, their hospital stay will be prolonged."
We couldn't quite understand it, but soldiers certainly have their pride, don't they? So, as for a referee, who among us could do that...?
"Then I'll make that judgment! I used to work at a hospital, so I understand the extent of injuries!"
Ryushi raised her hand with a flourish, volunteering. She's so energetic, isn't she?
"Alright. Then, Ryushi, I'm counting on you. Now, shall we begin right away?"
"I won't hold back."
"I-I'm going, Big Brother."
It was strange that Vilia seemed more nervous than Holy, but before that question could be answered, the match began.
"Alright, match start!"
As Ryushi said that, it was Vilia who moved instantly. She suddenly leaped into the air, but she wasn't heading towards Yuki-sama, so I tilted my head in confusion...
"Uwah!?"