kscans

Chapter 221 - Kyouta-Style Boot Camp II

"Well then, Yamadera-san. Excuse us."

"Umu. Try not to destroy the mountain too much."

"Yes. We'll be careful."

That weekend, we had come to Yamadera-san's temple.

The reason being...

"I never expected you to ask to borrow a place for a golem's test run. That was a bit of a surprise."

"S-Sorry."

"No, no. I'm not angry. Just as I said, I'm simply surprised."

It was to check on Blanc, specifically with the 'homemade Magi Battery' attached.

The city's training grounds would undoubtedly not be able to withstand it, and the Arisugawa family's uninhabited island we went to by cruiser before was too far.

A place with no people around where we didn't have to worry about pulverizing walls or floors. The only location that fit those conditions was the training ground he owned.

"Ah, right. Whatever you do, don't go near the mountain you all investigated for me before. The police have it sealed off, and the Self-Defense Force is building a store around the gate. Well, it seems they're at the stage of needing to build a road before they can even build the store."

"Yes. We'll be careful."

This Yamadera-san apparently owns multiple mountains. The place we were borrowing this time was a flat area in a valley between them, a place people don't usually enter.

And yet, he was apparently planning to use it for awakening training soon, so the weeds were neatly trimmed. It was the perfect place for a mock battle.

"But, are you sure about this? Letting us borrow the place for free."

"Don't worry about it. You said you'd level the ground with magic after you're done, and more than anything, I'm interested to see what kind of effect it will have on the training ground when high-level Awakened Persons fight...!'"

Yamadera-san's eyes glittered, but I could only offer a wry smile.

If it were a life-or-death battle with a dragon or something, maybe, but a mock battle was unlikely to have that much of an effect. If it did affect the land's mana, there would be a lot more Awakened Persons in the world.

He probably knew that, but for a scholar, 'confirming it for oneself' was likely important.

"But it's sad that I can't even watch, let alone film it."

"I apologize. In that case, we can't guarantee your safety..."

"Nuu. How regrettable..."

That was half true, but the other half was that I didn't want him to know about the Magi Battery. I wanted to reduce the risk of the secret of the Sage's Nucleus being exposed as much as possible.

It pained my heart not to explain the full circumstances when borrowing his land.

"I know! As a substitute, how about you accompany me on an outing later? See, I'm getting old. And it's been getting dangerous lately, hasn't it?"

"Um, where are you planning to go?"

"To visit my wife's grave... with these legs, it's quite difficult to go, so I was hoping a young person could lend me a hand..."

"That's... yes. I underst───"

"Yamadera-san."

Smoothly...

Erina-san, clad in a purple kimono with a golden pattern, her long blonde hair tied loosely behind her in a single tail, entered the conversation with a smile.

"I spoke with your wife on the phone the other day, and she was in excellent health. At the very least, 'it's quite difficult to go visit the grave'... that's an ill-omened thing to say, even as a joke, isn't it?"

Th-this sham monk...!?

My eyes widened as I looked at Yamadera-san, who had beads of sweat on his bald head and was averting his gaze. Could he be any more obvious!?

"W-Was that so? I'm getting old, so I might be getting a bit senile."

"Oh my! That's terrible. You should have a long talk with your wife and enjoy your time together as a couple. That way, you won't mistakenly think she might have passed away."

"Y-Yes, you're right. I'll do that. Later, that is. Umu. Later."

"Yes. That would be best."

Erina-san's smile never faltered as Yamadera-san backed away inch by inch.

"Kuh... I might really be going senile. I should have been vaguer and said it was an old friend...!'"

I can hear you, sham monk. Don't underestimate an Awakened Person's hearing.

I'm extremely curious as to where I was supposed to be taken.

Yamadera-san... why didn't you try your best!?

"Kyouta-kun."

"Ye~es!"

My voice cracked as I answered Erina-san.

Wow. I don't think I'll ever get used to her in this ojou-sama mode.

"It would be a bother if we stayed too long, so shall we be on our way?"

"Yessir!"

"Well then, Yamadera-san. We will be borrowing your land. We will repay this kindness by assisting with your awakening training at a later date."

"Umu. Well, really, don't worry about it. So, you know, about what just happened, if you could keep it a secret..."

"Yes. Of course."

After bowing with a graceful demeanor, Erina-san looked up with a radiant smile.

I wonder why. It was a smile so beautiful it was captivating, and yet a cold sweat trickled down my back and wouldn't stop.

Following Erina-san, I gave a nod and left, returning to Aira-san's car, which was waiting a short distance away.

"What happened, you two? The air seemed rather tense."

"Yes. I felt a presence from Erina-san, in particular, that was similar to when Grandmother is angry..."

With sweat on their cheeks, Aira-san and Mia-san turned to look at us in the back seat.

In response, Erina-san answered in her usual demeanor.

"Oh, it was nothing! We were just talking about how close Yamadera-san is with his wife!"

"...Ah, yeah. They're close, that couple."

"I hear they both practice martial arts and often spar with each other..."

Depending on the circumstances, he might be her punching bag tonight.

I debated whether to say so, but since I had no way of saving Yamadera-san, I kept my mouth shut.

Rest in peace, sham monk. I'll visit your grave, if I can.

"But I don't see how that would lead to such an atmosphere."

"Stop it, Mia. I've already decided not to get involved in this conversation."

"Eh?"

As expected of Aira-san. What a remarkable ability to sense danger.

She's clearly learned from all the lectures she gets from the professor.

"Come on! The sun will set if we're too late! Let's gooo!"

"R-Right..."

"Farewell, Yamadera-shi. May you rest in peace."

"Um, what exactly happened in the end...?"

And so, with two of the four occupants staring off into the distance, the car started to move.

＊　　　　＊　　　　　＊

Following the map he gave us, we arrived at an open area along a river.

A light brown expanse of ground stretched out, gradually turning black toward the edges. Beyond that was a riverbank colored with moss and gravel. And further still was a gentle stream.

The opposite bank of the river was a steep cliff, and with the trees growing on top of it, it would surely provide good shade in the summer.

If one were to go fishing, it would undoubtedly be a peaceful day. Though it's not a good idea to let one's guard down too much near the water.

More importantly, we weren't here to play today.

"Erina-san."

"Yep! Here you go."

She took the bag containing Blanc and the weapon case out of her Item Box.

I thanked her, took them, and quickly assembled the golem. I put on its armor and gave it its longsword and tower shield.

Next, I placed the kettle-head on the ground along with a hastily sketched alchemy circle.

With my notes in hand, I performed the alchemy while channeling the mana of the Sage's Nucleus. It was a process I had done countless times before making Byakuren's dedicated body. However, the 'quality' of the impromptu body being formed was different.

The flow of mana was more orderly than back then, yet it felt as if it could overflow at any moment. The resulting giant, about two meters tall, maintained a humanoid shape while emitting an inhuman pressure.

Its fingertips were sharpened using the iron sand from the riverbank, and fangs were similarly alchemized in the mouth I had created at the kettle-head's connection point.

"Blanc. When I give the signal, you're to fight this golem. Don't worry about mana consumption; fight with everything you've got."

I said this to the silver knight, who simply stood there silently, then turned my gaze to the kettle-head.

"'White Wall,' you too. On my signal, fight that armored golem. Understood?"

This golem, which I had made on the spot for today, also gave no reaction, of course.

Feeling a slight sense of loneliness at that, I gave it plenty of mana and then moved away.

I headed to a spot where a rock wall rose to about waist height and joined Mia-san and Erina-san. Aira-san, meanwhile, was in the car, even further away.

"Everyone, thank you for today."

'Umu. You should thank me from the bottom of your heart. And praise me. Me!'

"Don't worry about it. That's what friends are for!"

"That's right! We're ninjas from the same village!!"

"We're not."

"!?"

Ignoring Erina-san, who had frozen with a shocked expression, I turned my gaze to the two golems facing each other.

They were almost the same height, but White Wall was slightly larger. In terms of width and thickness, it was overwhelmingly superior.

I wonder how much this weight difference will affect things...

"I've hardened the ground by channeling mana into it. It won't break so easily."

"Thank you. Then... begin!"

At my command, the two golems shot into motion as if spring-loaded.

Even with an impromptu body, White Wall's basic specs, powered by the Sage's Nucleus, were equivalent to a D-Rank monster... or perhaps even the boss of that rank.

It had specs that could overwhelm an average adventurer, but...

───BOOM!

The fight was over in an instant.

A wide slash, delivered with one hand while Blanc held its shield with the other. It struck the charging White Wall on the shoulder and was swung through in a diagonal cut.

The stone body was sent flying as if hit by a cannonball, and the surface of the ground was gouged, sending up a cloud of dust.

"That's enough!"

I stopped Blanc as it was about to deliver a follow-up attack to the rolling kettle-head and approached, stepping over the earth wall.

The impromptu body had been utterly pulverized. Not even its original shape remained.

I picked up White Wall's main body; the kettle's surface had a few dents and scratches. However, the 'imperfect homunculus' itself seemed to be unharmed.

"Alright. Well done, Blanc. White Wall. As for the mana... it looks fine."

I walked a full circle around Blanc, checking the flow of mana, and nodded.

The homemade Magi Battery was functioning properly. Even though it was just one blow, it had charged forward with its wind at full blast, and it still looked like it could fight.

"Alright, on to the next one."

Then, Erina-san, who had come over, handed me two more kettle-heads.

"White Wall 2, White Wall 3. The basics are the same as before. When I give the signal, fight this armored golem. You too, Blanc."

I repaired White Wall's surface with alchemy and generated another impromptu body. Then, I created bodies for White Wall 2 and White Wall 3 as well.

I placed the three of them so they surrounded Blanc.

"Blanc, don't aim for the head."

I returned behind the earth wall with Erina-san and took a deep breath.

"Then... begin!"

Just like before, White Wall's body was instantly cut down in a diagonal slash.

But what happened next was different. As White Wall 2 and White Wall 3 leaped at it simultaneously from the left and right rear, Blanc spun around.

It caught their respective claws with its sword and shield.

In terms of reach, Blanc had the advantage due to its weapons, and on top of that, it boasted superior strength, overpowering the two even with one hand. It compensated for the mass difference by releasing wind and forcibly pushed the White Walls back.

But White Wall 2 and 3 weren't deterred and charged again. When they were knocked to the sides, the difference in distance due to the sword and shield must have created a staggered attack this time.

The one on the shield side raised its claws and leaped. It showed an agility that belied its multi-ton weight, delivering a gravity-assisted swipe.

In response, Blanc raised its shield to defend. It blocked the attack with a heavy sound that resonated in my gut, and what's more, it sent the stone giant flying again.

Next, White Wall 2 charged with its arms spread wide for a tackle. It bared its iron fangs and lunged for the armor-covered flank.

But Blanc was faster. Its longsword swung down in an instant, chopping off the stone golem's right arm.

A reverse diagonal slash struck the staggering White Wall 2's body, and its torso shattered into pieces. The fragments scattered across the ground, and the kettle-head bounced away.

Without a moment's delay, White Wall 3 moved behind Blanc. It moved its feet with an agility that didn't match its massive frame and raised the claws of its right arm.

It seemed like a surprise attack had landed, but the difference in specs was once again apparent. By the time the iron claws were swinging down, the silver sword had already moved, smashing the stone arm first.

A powerful thrust was delivered to the chest of the off-balance White Wall 3. Before it could dodge, the tip pierced through, and the impact blew a large hole in its torso.

The stone body crumbled into pieces, and the kettle-head rolled away with a clatter.

"That's enough. Everyone, good work."

This time, the three of us went around the stone wall to Blanc and the others and collected the White Walls.

After repairing their kettle parts, I praised them lightly and returned them to Erina-san's Item Box.

"Well... the Magi Battery seems to be okay."

"Yes. It appears to be functioning without any problems."

"As expected of you, Kyouta!"

"No, no..."

I went around to Blanc's back and looked at the black rectangular box attached to it.

The connection hadn't loosened from the impact of the battle. It seemed to be working properly, and Blanc, which was using mana like crazy, showed no signs of shutting down.

But...

"It's a bit difficult to call what just happened a 'battle,' though!"

Erina-san, in her Arcane Gear, said energetically with her arms crossed under her ample chest.

Blanc's basic specs were on par with Byakuren's. A dozen C-Rank monsters would be no match for it, as long as it didn't run out of mana.

But the golem I could create with an impromptu body was limited to what the White Walls could do. And if I were to create a dedicated body just for mock battles, my wallet and materials wouldn't last. Not to mention the time.

Even with alchemy, I was maintaining Blanc's body and assembling spare parts all by myself...

"I still think the quickest way is to test it in a dungeon! Should I take you?"

"...No. It's still too early for a real battle against an opponent of equal or similar strength."

"You think so?"

Watching the previous battle, I realized something.

Blanc was overwhelmingly 'weaker' than Byakuren.

Even if they fought with only Blanc equipped with a Magi Battery, I was certain Byakuren would win. I was sure of it.

It wasn't just nostalgia. I like to think my judgment isn't so clouded as to determine a golem's superiority based on that.

"I'll be its opponent in a mock battle. Erina-san, Mia-san. If it gets dangerous, please stop me."

"Okay!"

"...Please be careful."

"I will."

I deployed my Arcane Gear and raised my fists.

I wouldn't draw my sword. If I did that, I'd destroy Blanc.

"Blanc. You will now fight me. No need to hold back. Come at me with everything you've got. The signal will be given by Erina-san over there... the one with her blonde hair tied in two tails."

Taking a deep breath, I calmly faced the knight before me.

Glint. The longsword shone, reflecting the sunlight.

"...But don't aim for my head, okay?! Also, if either of us falls to the ground, the fight stops immediately! No follow-up attacks! Absolutely forbidden!"

"You're wimping out!"

"Safety first!!"

"If safety is first, wouldn't it be better not to have a mock battle with a live blade in the first place...?"

Mia-san said with a slightly exasperated look, but it couldn't be helped since it wouldn't be proper training otherwise.

I don't want to fight with my fists against a real sword either...!

"Now then, to battle!"

Erina-san raised her right hand, her clear voice ringing out.

"Begin!"

The moment her hand fell, I charged.

Blanc raised its tower shield and swung its sword. But it was too slow.

My right fist, accelerated by wind, struck the corner of the shield, creating an opening in its defense. Without a moment's hesitation, I drove my left fist in, delivering a body blow.

A shockwave sent dust flying and gravel scattering. The river churned, and water crashed against the cliff and splashed back.

Blanc's body bent into a 'V' shape. But golems feel no pain. Its right-hand sword immediately swung.

I grabbed its wrist, stopping it.

"Don't wind up at this distance. Use a wrap shot... aim for your opponent's back or the back of their thigh with the flat of the blade, or strike with your shield."

Still holding its wrist, I released a blast of wind and forcibly threw Blanc behind me.

I aimed for the moment it landed, managing to do so with a release of wind, and punched its right shoulder. As it easily lost its balance, I grabbed the edge of its shield and pulled it forcefully toward me.

"If you're going to release wind, you can swing your sword from that position. Even if it's just a feint, unleash a slash to keep me from getting close."

Before I finished speaking, Blanc's sword moved.

Just as I had taught it, it aimed for the back of my thigh with the flat of the blade. But its swordsmanship was clumsy, something that could hardly be called a wrap shot.

I deflected the slash with a left backhand to the hilt, stopping it, and drove my right elbow into the shield.

"That's it. That's good. We'll work on your swordsmanship from now on."

As Blanc staggered, it came at me with a thrust. I dodged it with my footwork and simultaneously moved to its right side. I landed a light punch on its wide-open flank.

That alone was enough to make Blanc lose its balance again. I grabbed its right bicep and threw it back to its starting position.

"Don't thrust unless you're sure it will hit. And your original role is to withstand the opponent's attacks. Lower your center of gravity more and stop swaying with every move."

"The one who taught Kyouta that a thrust is a finishing move... was MEEEEE!!"

"The peanut gallery should stay quiet."

"Okay."

Blanc pressed the bottom of its shield against the ground and lowered its center of gravity. Honestly, it was still full of openings, and I could probably get around to its side, but...

"Alright. First, learn that. I'm going to start attacking now, so endure it."

I took a fighting stance and charged straight ahead.

It was a little different from 'praise to encourage growth,' but... for now, I would convey the movements I thought were 'scary if done to me.'

In any case, its learning speed was much faster than my own. Probably because it was so obedient. No, I should say innocent.

With a rush of both fists, I forcibly tore away its shield, grappled its torso, and threw it into the air.

As I charged in to attack its landing, Blanc unleashed a blast of wind while aiming for my right shoulder with its longsword.

I ducked low to slip under it and forced my way into punching range, only to have the shield thrust at my face. I leaned back to avoid the collision and kicked Blanc away, shield and all, with my knee.

───To think it would force me to use my knees already.

At this rate, it might not be long before I'm forced to draw my sword. Thinking that reminded me of the knight who vanished in that aurora.

Byakuren had gotten strong before I knew it, too...

"You know, Kyouta. You're definitely the type to spoil your kids."

"Huh? You think so after watching this mock battle...?"

"Well, yeah. I mean, the power of your punches has been pretty restrained from the start."

I ignored the conversation from the sidelines and charged again. This time, I circled to the side of Blanc, who held its shield in front.

"Lowering your center of gravity is good! Next, turn your shield in a circular motion!"

I placed a hand on the shoulder of Blanc as it tried to turn toward me and slammed a kick into the back of its knee.

Then, I grabbed its shoulder and waist and threw it.

For some reason, this was starting to get fun. I'm not knowledgeable enough about martial arts to teach people, but it should be fine for training a golem.

Above all, I wanted to get it used to my combat speed.

Alright... let's speed things up.

＊　　　　＊　　　　＊　　　　＊

"...You, man."

"Yes..."

The next day. In Shizuku-san's workshop.

On a sheet spread out on the floor lay a dented shield and armor, and a longsword full of nicks.

"No, really... you, man."

"I am so sorry...!"

Shizuku-san's equipment was amazing. Despite the armor being so beaten up, Blanc's main body was almost completely undamaged.

I conveyed this to her and bowed my head low, asking for repairs. I would need her armaments in the future.

She must be busy with Aira-san's requests, but she agreed with a sigh, for which I was eternally grateful. For some reason, it seemed to have stimulated her craftsman's spirit. What's more, she even did this time's repairs for free, so I felt deeply indebted to her.

...Though she did, of course, warn me that she would charge me a hefty sum next time.

That training method... I'll make sure not to do it again.

On the other hand, the Magi Battery had functioned without any problems until the very end, so the test was a great success.