第１９５４堀：目にもとまらぬ (Part2)
"Indeed. Perhaps they are somewhere in this world, provided they haven't perished."
"No, Yuki. I find it hard to believe that someone capable of running across the ocean—a feat that defies all logic—would simply die. Their combat prowess must be immense, too."
Milly immediately countered my words.
Well, I suppose I don't truly believe they would die so easily, either.
"Fair enough. Let's just say if we happen to cross paths, we'll talk. For now, let's focus on Kishua and the others."
"True. Though, honestly? This is starting to feel like a formality."
At her remark, I glanced at the monitor. Sia was taking her stance.
"This time, it won't go as it did before..."
"Then, let us begin."
Sia lunged forward, seizing the split second between words.
It’s fascinating, really—how *shukuchi* looks like such an effortless movement to an outside observer. It doesn't even appear particularly fast. There’s something almost stroll-like about it that I find quite intriguing.
Before Chinoku could react, the tip of a blade was pressed against his face.
"Huh?"
Chinoku let out a vacant sound, much like he had with Kishua.
"Um, should I thrust, or...?"
"No, that’s enough."
Honestly, for someone who was the first Saintess of Enaria, Sia is quite the brawler. Not that Rurua hasn't been training in mace combat, but since she primarily relies on the 'Holy Sword, Handy-Overpowered Sword'—or 'Betsu-ken' for short—I suppose that’s to be expected.
Next up was Nina.
"A waste of time."
"Wait, what—!?"
"On the battlefield, there is no 'wait.' You may have been caught off guard, but the fact that you couldn't respond to me means you fail as a candidate for my examiner."
"Nghhh..."
"Ah—well, I suppose she has a point."
Nina had struck instantly, pinning him down in the blink of an eye. I wanted to call it a violation of the rules, but if an adventurer can be pinned so easily by an examiner, the result speaks for itself.
And finally...
"Right, you're the last one. What is your name?"
"Yes. My name is Vilia."
"Chinoku, can you go again?"
"Ugh... I suppose I can. Though, I haven't had a single good moment this entire time. Are you all just that strong? Is Vilia-san the same?"
Chinoku squinted as he asked the question.
Well, after losing three times in such quick succession, it’s only natural to wonder.
"Ah, um. I am not as skilled as Nina-san and the others. I’m likely the weakest of the four."
"Is that so?"
"Well, I suppose that’s true."
"It is not incorrect."
Only Kishua tilted her head, while Sia and Nina nodded in agreement.
It’s true—if they were at the same level and equipped with the same gear, Vilia would likely be the weakest.
Then again, if I didn't set specific rules and conditions for my members in Weed, the entire area would be reduced to a scorched wasteland. I include myself in that assessment.
But setting that aside, Chinoku seemed slightly relieved by the news, though...
"It’s hard to gauge what 'among the four' actually means. Regardless, I’ll be giving it my all, so please, let me have it."
"Hey now. Against a girl like that..."
"What are you saying? This is monster subjugation—we’re risking our lives. The monsters won't discriminate based on age or build. In fact, they’re more likely to target the vulnerable."
Chinoku was right.
In battle—or against monsters—the golden rule is to eliminate the easiest targets first to whittle down the enemy's strength. Of course, preventing that from happening is a tactic in itself.
"Alright, alright. Are you both ready?"
"I'm ready whenever."
"Yes. I am ready."
Chinoku and Vilia replied to Guild Master Reu.
Now, I wonder what kind of fighting style Vilia will show us.
"Begin."
The moment Guild Master Reu gave the signal, it was Chinoku who moved first.
Incidentally, Chinoku is shorter. Vilia has already transitioned from a beautiful young child to a beautiful young girl, and she stands taller than Kishua. It’s only a difference of a few centimeters, but she’s even taller than Agil.
To an onlooker, it looked like Chinoku was challenging someone older than himself.
"I wonder about this. It’s getting hard to tell who is actually measuring whom."
"Indeed. Though, in reality, Vilia is likely the superior one."
It seemed Seraria and Milly were thinking the same thing.
Well, I’m looking forward to seeing how Vilia handles Chinoku’s advance.
The other three were a skip, but now... the question is what Vilia will do.
Well, there’s no point in dragging this out, is there?