第１７０４堀：認識を改める (Part1)
Revising Perceptions
Side: Prof
" " "Huh?" " " "
It seems everyone except me, Yuki, Agil, and Vilia still doesn't understand what happened, even after rewatching the video.
Sigh, I'm torn between feeling saddened by their low level of understanding and being glad that these girls haven't had to face the front lines until now.
However, for Light to be engaged in this mission, even as a goddess, is frankly concerning, given her reaction to something of this caliber.
Well, the current battle was Yuki's signature winning strategy, so I suppose that's one of the contributing factors...
"Ahaha, well, it's hard to grasp at first glance, isn't it? Yuki should have defeated them in a more straightforward way."
"If I held back, they wouldn't understand my true capabilities. For a first encounter, this is perfectly fine. Now, since Light and the others still don't understand even after watching the video, I'll explain it using slow motion and pauses."
With that, Agil rewinds the footage to the starting point.
"First, at this point, Vilia flew upwards. Light, meanwhile, remained in position, observing our movements. This much is clear, yes?"
"Yes. There's no mistake."
"Indeed. We were watching your approach."
And then, in the next shot...
"Next, Light fell straight into the pitfall I created, and I immediately cast a spell to erect an earth wall, while Vilia, in mid-air, deployed what I assume was a Fire Bullet Bomb?"
"Yes. It's a modified Fire Bullet."
Indeed, Light and the others seemed to focus on Light falling, but at that moment, Yuki, I, and Vilia each took separate actions.
"And then I fired a rapid Fireball at Light. Immediately after, my wall was completed, and then Vilia's Fire Bullet struck the wall directly."
He shows us the entire sequence clearly in slow motion.
Seeing it again like this, video recordings truly are easy to understand.
And above all, Yuki's timing for the attack was truly exquisite.
Had it been even slightly later than my wall construction, it could have resulted in self-destruction, yet he perfectly synchronized with me.
"My Fireball struck directly, and Light was defeated. She was too surprised by the pitfall."
"No, I never expected a pitfall to appear in this battle."
On that point, I completely agree.
However, from the perspective of the one caught, it was an utterly unexpected move.
"It's a matter of not being so easily surprised. Now, for the next point. Vilia, in the air, must have intended to help Light. Her gaze shifted from us to Light. That momentary lapse allowed the second Fireball to hit, ending the match. It's uncharacteristic, perhaps, but as cooperative training, it wasn't entirely wrong."
I want to agree, but Light, once Vilia was defeated, it should have been considered a loss.
In cooperative training, both parties remaining active is paramount.
Therefore, Vilia's judgment at the moment Light was defeated should be considered a mistake.
Well, it's undeniable that Light's initial lack of understanding of Yuki's abilities led to this first battle, and the outcome isn't necessarily bad.
That is, if Light has now grasped Yuki's true capabilities...
"So, Light, do you understand my abilities now?"
"...Honestly, it's still vague. No, I understand your strategy is clever, but brute strength is necessary on the battlefield."
It seems she still can't readily acknowledge Yuki after just one battle.
Sigh, normally, it wouldn't be surprising to feel dissatisfied with Yuki's way of winning, but Light was, after all, a top figure in the military—no, even a nation's leader.
For her to be unable to recognize strategy as part of one's true strength... I wonder about that.
Ah, come to think of it, she was a leader of monsters.
It was likely a world where brute force often prevailed.
As I wondered what Yuki would do, he spoke.
"Well, that's important too. I understand that being unable to fight on the battlefield is problematic. So, what's next? A head-on confrontation?"
"Yes. I've seen your proficiency with magic. How about close combat next?"
"Feh!?"
At Light's suggestion, Vilia once again let out a cry of surprise.
And rightly so.
Because Yuki isn't just proficient in magic.
No, well, if magic were sealed, would the chances of victory... increase, even slightly?
With magic, the scale is immense, and it makes it easier for Yuki to toy with his opponents, so sealing magic *would* increase the chances of victory... but only by a tiny margin. Is it even worth it?
"Alright, then let's do it. Prof, you don't need to intervene next time."
"Understood."
"Huh? You intend to face Vilia and me alone? Well, Vilia aside, I have *this*."
Light's arm transforms, revealing dragon claws and scales.
That's what they call monster transformation, as reported.
Normally, it would seem formidable, but her opponent is Yuki.
"I have my doubts, but let's give it a try."
"Eh?"
As Yuki spoke, Light voiced her confusion, but without answering, Yuki materialized before her...
"What?!"
"There's nothing to be surprised about."
"Tch!"
While exclaiming in surprise, her reaction speed, thrusting out her dragon arm at the approaching Yuki, was commendable.
To be utterly helpless would make her a truly inadequate partner for Vilia.
Vilia, for her part, seems to have no intention of intervening this time, aiming to change Light's perception.
Indeed.
First, Light's naive understanding must be corrected.
If she can't correctly perceive Yuki, then there's no point in training.
I wondered why she was so dismissive, but that's precisely why she lost.
She needs to learn to gather more information and never underestimate an opponent.
So, what about Light's impromptu attack?
"Here."
"Guh!"
With a swift judo maneuver, Yuki effortlessly executed an ippon seoi-nage, slamming her to the ground.
Since he didn't pull back, the damage to her body must be considerable, but she ought to accept it gracefully.
For it was her own judgment that led to this.
"W-what was that..."
"A martial art that utilizes the opponent's movements and strength...?"
"Why are you asking it as a question?"
"Well, fundamentally, modern judo emphasizes neutralizing an opponent. While it involves taking them down, the objective isn't to kill."