kscans

Chapter 621 - Helping Out

Afterward, the information sharing session about Kanata's current state continued for a little over an hour.

Starting with his Anima, it moved on to the details of his skills, and even covered his strengths, weaknesses, and combat habits. He said this was the first time he had explained them in such detail to someone else, so it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say I was now the most knowledgeable player about Kanata in this virtual world.

In a game with competitive elements, an 'individual's build' is something that should be kept top secret. However, Arcadia is primarily a cooperative play (PvE) game where you face powerful monsters.

Therefore, my basic style is to 'answer without hesitation if asked.' That said, I went into it with a minimum of reservation, not wanting to pry too deeply... but when I asked one question, he answered ten or twenty, so before I knew it, I had become a Dr. Kanata.

Is this friendly demeanor something reserved exclusively for the object of his respect, the 'Acrobat,' or is it his basic stance toward everyone? But that's beside the point.

Now that the pre-training meeting was over,

"Alright, let's start the training right away."

"I'm ready when you are!"

The next step was, of course, practice.

However, this wasn't some thoughtless 'let's just hit each other and get stronger' plan. What we were about to do was a kind of measurement.

In the vast, white training room, the two of us faced each other, each holding two daggers.

"Just to review, I'm not going to attack. I'll focus solely on defense and evasion. You will keep attacking relentlessly—time is unlimited, until you can't move anymore."

"Not at full power, but at about eighty percent, right!"

"Yeah. Don't get worked up. Stay calm, and don't forget to keep thinking."

In short, it was the same as 'that' time when I first met the [Sword Saint]. Unfortunately, I couldn't gauge an opponent's skill or talent in just a brief exchange.

So, this was Part Two of our mutual understanding sequence, following the verbal meeting.

"Alright, come at me."

"Yes, sir!"

I'll have him show me the current 'depths' of his ability with my own eyes.

◇◆◇◆◇

And so, thirty minutes later.

"—Hk...! Keho, kuhu... S-So, this is a ranker..."

"Nah, it's less about being a ranker and more the result of my master's spartan training."

Kanata lay collapsed on the floor, gasping for breath. Beside him, I unsummoned my Bullets and checked on my downed junior. The difference between us was clear, but as for stamina, I had a firm confidence that I could now surpass most veterans, so it couldn't be helped.

If it were an all-out battle where I pushed myself past my limits, it would be a different story, but for a light workout like this... well, I probably wouldn't even get out of breath even if it went on for several hours.

"Sorry... for showing you... such a pathetic... side of me... uhk."

"You didn't, so lie there and rest easy. In fact, you were impressive. I was honestly surprised by how much tougher you were than I expected."

However, judging by the general standard I'd learned from interacting with the general player base during the Starry Paradise event, maintaining combat actions at eighty percent strength against a superior opponent for thirty minutes was, seriously, at the level of an exceptional player.

In other words, comparing him to me, who had walked—or rather, sprinted—down the path of hell and heaven that was the [Sword Saint]'s special course, was a mistake. If I were to evaluate Kanata purely on his current abilities, the only words that would come to mind would be 'exceeded expectations.'

...And I needed to make sure I conveyed that with my words.

Ever since my part-time warrior days, I've been the type to praise and nurture my juniors.

"No flattery, you exceeded my expectations. Your stamina, your grit, your sustained concentration—as of now, they're impeccable. With half a month, you'll become a fine runner."

I guarantee it. When I gave him a thumbs-up, my words as literal as they came, Kanata, still lying on the floor trying to catch his breath, had his exhaustion-clouded eyes light up noticeably.

They lit up, and he probably tried to say something back, but ended up choking spectacularly. Whoa there, calm down. Don't push yourself while you're cooling down.

"The Four Pillar War is... well, it's embarrassing for me to talk about it since I've only participated once, but anyway, stamina is essential. Especially for us light warriors who consume a lot of mental and physical energy, and even more so for a runner. Ah, it's fine, just stay down."

I stopped Kanata from trying to sit up as I began my explanation, using the break time to lay things out. Again, I was still a Four Pillar novice myself, so it was embarrassing, but...

"You'll probably be forgiven for a bit of clumsiness, but it would be really bad if the runner couldn't run. So for the time being, I'm going to have you focus on improving your stamina."

It was impeccable as of now. But, just as Goldow feared, it wouldn't be enough for the main event. I'm not saying it needs to be inexhaustible, but a toughness of both mind and body that won't break even while being chased by the powerful players of other factions is crucial.

Detailed combat techniques and such can wait for now.

"You can take breaks during the main event, so it's not like you have to run from start to finish. But I'd like you to have enough stamina to keep this up for about an hour."

"An... an hour...?"

I said it casually, but I understood it was difficult.

I meant it when I said I was surprised; Kanata already possesses stamina that rivals or even surpasses the seasoned warriors of the Four Pillars. That's why simply telling him to 'double it' was nothing short of unreasonable.

However, in my opinion,

Considering the potential I had gauged from Kanata through conversation, practice, and actual combat,

"I think I've said it a few times, but I'm here to 'help' with your training. I can't play the grand role of a master or teacher, so I won't just tell you 'do this.' But if you yourself seriously want to do your best, then I'll seriously help you without holding back."

—because it seemed unreasonable, but not impossible.

This wasn't just about his potential; it was a final confirmation, betting on the overflowing enthusiasm he had shown me. When I asked him with my eyes what he would do—

"...I came this far because I admire you, Acrobat."

Kanata, still unable to move and lying on the floor, said something incredibly embarrassing.

"So, there's really no choice for me."

Still looking pained but managing a smile, my junior declared without hesitation.

"Even if it's unreasonable, even if it's impossible, I'll do it. Please, train me."

"...Okay. I've accepted your resolve."

In that case, from here on out, I'll cast aside any real hesitation. I'm still an inexperienced student myself, so I can't make grand declarations about teaching... but still.

"Then, as a little encouragement, how about I share some words from a person I respect?"

"Yes...? Uh, what?"

If I can't even help out a junior who looks up to me as a senpai, I'll surely get a scolding from my master when she returns from wherever she's hiding.

"'If it can be done, you can do it. So believe you can, and give it your all.'"

"...............Yes?"

Brace yourself, Kanata-kun. I'm not as strict as the [Sword Saint], but I'm not as gentle either. I'll praise you to death until you get it right, so be prepared.

Now that that's decided, for our first step—let's enjoy a game of 'tag.'

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Because he's always doing ridiculously impossible things that push his limits, the protagonist has a strong image of being constantly exhausted. Compared to a player who is still a realistically exceptional person, this is the reality.

What is a 'realistically exceptional person' anyway...?