第１９５４堀：目にもとまらぬ (Part1)
### Chapter 1954: Faster Than the Eye Can See
**Side: Yuki**
Vilia and her group entered the Adventurer’s Guild and, predictably, moved straight to the customary test of strength.
"Sigh. I suppose this is just how things are in an Adventurer’s Guild. What do you think, Milly?"
"I understand how you feel, Seraria, but in the guild, ability is everything—it’s the absolute priority. Isn't the military the same way, in a sense? You wouldn't entrust command to someone with no track record, nor would you assign them any real work, right?"
"I suppose that’s true..."
Seraria and Milly frowned as they watched the familiar scene unfolding in the guild hall.
Still, as Milly pointed out, it couldn't be helped. When it comes to exterminating monsters or hunting down bandits, raw physical capability is the first requirement. You can’t defeat a foe with paperwork. Well, technically, "lethal paperwork" can take down a lot of people indirectly, but that’s hardly the point here.
More importantly...
"Neither of you should take this as an excuse to be barbaric. The need to prove one's worth in the field isn't limited to adventurers or soldiers. If you’re in an administrative role, you’re eventually thrown into the 'real combat' of crunching numbers or drafting documents under pressure. It’s no different."
Exactly. Whether you’re fighting on a battlefield or working at a desk, it’s just a difference in position; the nature of the work remains the same. It’s no reason to establish a hierarchy of importance. Though, it is a problem when people let their workplace habits bleed into general society and cause trouble.
"...I suppose you're right."
"There is no difference, then. It simply comes down to individual aptitude."
"Precisely. Oh, look—the sparring match with that petite receptionist is about to start."
While we were talking, they must have moved to the training grounds, as the match was already commencing.
*"Now, I shall explain the rules. Use wooden weapons. You lose if you fall to the ground, drop to your knees, drop your weapon, or are knocked unconscious. Naturally, intentional killing is forbidden. Though, given you are both capable individuals, I doubt a wooden weapon will prove fatal, but do be careful. As for injuries, I’ll heal anything up to a broken bone, so give it your all."*
How remarkably bold. Then again, perhaps you can’t gauge an adventurer’s true mettle without this level of intensity. It’s not as if they’re going out there to engage in a polite game of tag.
Still, what caught my attention was...
*"Well then, I shall use this."*
*"You're using a one-handed sword?"*
*"Yes. It has excellent balance. I can use others, of course, but this is the most stable choice."*
Chinoku said this as she readied her sword and shield. It was a sound choice—the shield provides defense while the sword allows for agility. Even the Hunter’s gear prioritizes defense, after all. Despite her small stature, her stance was rock-solid. She was clearly a seasoned adventurer with plenty of experience under her belt.
"But seeing her with that sword and shield, she really is tiny. About the same size as Agil, isn't she?"
"You're right. About that size. Still, even if she doesn't match our own strength, the fact that she can handle both receptionist duties and act as an examiner in a place where monsters appear regularly proves she’s no amateur."
That much was certain. If she were weak, she wouldn't be able to measure the strength of other adventurers. As I was pondering this, Kishua stepped forward, and the match began.
*"Begin."*
Guildmaster Leu gave the signal, but neither of them moved.
*"Um, since this is a test for you, Kishua-san, I would appreciate it if you made the first move. Or are you a counter-attack specialist?"*
Chinoku asked, addressing the motionless Kishua. It was a fair point; as an examiner, one should usually adapt to the opponent. It was only natural for her to wonder why Kishua wasn't budging. We, however, knew the reason.
*"Ah, my bad. I’ve already received the green light from Archbishop Dodona, so I don't need to hold back, right?"*
*"Hm? That’s right. I need to see your true capabilities. I doubt you’re the type of opponent one could defeat while holding back."*
Guildmaster Leu replied. It was the standard response.
*"Alright, I’ve got your word on that. Here I go, Chinoku."*
*"Yes. Whenever you’re ready."*
Kishua took a single step forward after making that deliberate declaration. Given how obvious he was being, there was no way she could have missed it—or so one would think.
*"There."*
*"Eh?"*
Kishua’s wooden sword was already pressed against Chinoku’s throat. It was over. Naturally, Chinoku hadn't even reacted.
*"What shall we do? Should I follow through with the swing?"*
*"No, that’s enough. Stop. The winner is Kishua."*
Guildmaster Leu, though surprised, acknowledged Kishua’s victory. Chinoku, the one who had faced him directly, stood dazed for a moment before shaking her head, as if snapping back to reality.
*"I didn't even notice you move. What kind of speed was that?"*
*"Well, it’s a matter of technique."*
It wasn't just raw speed gained from leveling up. It also incorporated a movement method mimicking the "Shukuchi" from Earth—targeting the opponent's breathing and the blind spots in their vision. It was a technique designed to exploit the gaps in human perception, making it incredibly difficult to track or counter.
"That footwork is truly troublesome."
"You were taught that by Irwin-san, weren't you?"
Irwin is a resident of Rogari, one of the nations under Gartz’s umbrella. He is the rival—or perhaps the nemesis—of the god Nogosh, who is the king of a sword-worshipping nation near the lands ruled by Taiki-kun. Recently, he’s moved past his vendettas and has been helping me manage my dungeon.
More importantly, Irwin is a native of this world who studied under a swordsman from Earth. His skill with a blade is beyond the pale. His master was none other than Kamiizumi Nobutsuna, the legendary "Sword Saint" whose name is still whispered in history on Earth.
He practices ancient Earth martial arts. While most here rely on "leveling up and hitting them with brute force," he focuses on honing technique and spirit to the absolute limit. It’s a style that synergizes perfectly with the level-based system of this world—overwhelming opponents who are caught off guard by sheer technical and mental superiority.
My wives—especially Seraria, who prides herself on her own combat prowess—have all sparred with Irwin and suffered defeat. Of course, those results came with level restrictions in place, but it was still a shocking turn of events for them, and they have been greedily trying to incorporate those techniques into their own repertoires.
But I digress. Kishua and the others have been learning those same techniques, which is why they can pull off moves like that.
"It just occurred to me," Seraria asked, "Kamiizumi-dono is still somewhere around here, isn't he?"