My Glasses Will Be Able to Conquer the Whole World, I Suppose

Chapter 204 – Glasses Boy’s Wishes She Were a Real Cat

After finishing the morning briefings and having lunch, we waited on the first floor.

During this time, I spoke with Lisse about the training and tasks we had already completed, curious about what Hydra has in store for us next.

Today marks the beginning of comprehensive learning.

In other words, this is where it really begins.

Before it starts, I think it’s reasonable to ask about what we’ve done so far and anticipate what we’ll do from now on.

Well, partly because I’m just curious. What have we been doing all this time?

“What’s up?”

As the tiger-turned-cat beast enters, summarizing what I heard, it goes like this.

“It’s all about the basics.”

They were tasked with running and gathering plants available in the area, among other activities.

Since everyone came here with the determination to train here!, there didn’t appear to be any notable complaints about training during free time.

It appears that Instructor Yorgo was also engaged in practical training sessions. …I can’t help but envy him a bit. He’s impressive, isn’t he? I also want to learn archery.

Anyway, starting with the basics is probably the best approach after all.

First, the instructors need to thoroughly get to know the capabilities of the candidates.

Who is good at what, who is not, how much they can do, and their combat experience and prowess.

It appears they already have some notion beforehand, but they’ll likely verify it firsthand.

In other words–

“Starting with the running, as usual.”

I thought the same. Same opinion as Hydra’s.

Actually, even after moving from Haidiga to the assassin village, we were still made to run around the forest.

Each mentor gave the same orders.

Certainly, it appears that Chace, Cherry, and Florentine were also tasked with running for various reasons.

The so-called “path” was familiar to us, having extensively run in Haidiga and the assassin village.

It’s likely the foundation that encompasses all movement.

Improving or maintaining basic running ability and physical fitness.

Quick judgment required to secure the next foothold.

Since we run in dim underground areas, eye training is likely included. The dense forest is also quite dark.

And it’s not just about “just running.”

In particular, the capability to make split-second decisions on movement is crucial for combat situations where lives are on the line in an “instant.”

The quicker the situational awareness and judgment, the better one can ensure their own safety and increase opportunities to evade or counter the opponent’s attacks. It opens up more possibilities.

Reflecting on it now, I believe it played a significant role in my survival.

At least, I attribute my ability to dodge the water blades in the dragonfish battle to honing my split-second judgment.

“When it comes to speed, who stands out from your point of view, Hydra?”

When Lisse posed this question, the cat-like beast person responded with vague nods like “Hmm” or “Ohh,” making it hard to gauge their comprehension.

“I’m fast, you know?”

Yeah.

It’s said that beast people possess remarkably high athletic prowess. She appears nimble, so it’s likely this girl is fast.

“That’s correct. Trawllul is fast, and most importantly, agile.”

With that remark, Hydra affectionately strokes the head of the cat-like beast person, who appears pleased. …If only she were a real cat, I’d stroke her too. What a pity.

“Chace is quite impressive when it comes to speed alone.”

I’m aware of that.

But the question is whether he can run on the “path” with Fast Boots.

Mastering that “foundation” is challenging.

I’ve been training whenever I have the opportunity, but I’ve only recently reached the point where I can run on a flat surface.

However, I still stumble, even on small stones, due to its instability.

“But still, Shuren is probably the best.”

Shuren… which one was he?

“The one with black hair? Probably Eastern, right?”

Looking to where Lisse is pointing, I see a sharp-eyed boy talking to the big man, Belge.

A boy with long black hair tied back, similar in size and build to me. Ah, he glanced in this direction. I’ll avoid eye contact to avoid getting involved.

“What’s he like?”

In reply to Lisse’s question, Hydra, looking somewhat annoyed as the cat-like beast girl cuddled up and purred, responded promptly.

“He appears to be similar to Eil.”

Huh? Me?

“A rare creature who shies away from people, flees upon sight, and is solely interested in hunting?”

As Lisse voices an undeniable assessment, Hydra nods without hesitation. Hmm… can’t argue with that since it’s undeniable.

“Deny it. Say it’s not that bad.”

Can’t deny it, so there’s no helping it. Or rather, don’t say that when you’re the one who said it.

“But he really does resemble him. Honestly. He hardly speaks to anyone unless necessary, and he gives off the vibe that he’d rather not be approached either. You never know his whereabouts, and he’s here one moment and gone the next, you know?”

“But they’re conversing now, are he and Belge friends?”

Now that I think about it, they are indeed engaged in conversation. It doesn’t seem like they’re getting animated, but they’re talking indeed.

“What do you think? I don’t have all the details, but I’ve heard they have similar preferences when it comes to food.”

Oh, food. Is it about having the same favorite dish or something like that?

……

“By the way, are Hydra and that girl on good terms?”

Well, they’re practically cuddling at this point.

“I wonder? They shouldn’t be particularly close, but for some reason, it sometimes ends up like this.”

I see.

So it’s like a sociable cat accustomed to being around people.

……

If only she were a real cat… if only she were fully feline…

“… Attention!”

As we’re having such discussions, the instructor finally arrives.

As Instructor Yorgo calls for our attention, Instructor Evanesque begins the explanation. By the way, Instructor Sorichika, much like the last time I saw her, is present at the tower, gazing absently into the distance and emitting a faint glow.

“Training commences now. Today’s training will involve this.”

“Here.”

Instructor Evanesque says while showing us a black, round object. Is that… a smoke signal pellet?

“This is a smoke signal that emits red smoke. Mr. Yorgo will throw it as far as he can into the forest. Your task is to find it, secure it, and bring it back.”

That’s the gist of the training.

However, He will only throw ten.

…Ah, I see. Hmm. It’s clear now.

As I’ve heard, competition seems to be a significant aspect of it.

“Teacher! But there are fourteen of us!”

A grumpy-looking boy points out the obvious.

Yeah, that’s why… that’s why…

“… That’s correct. You don’t have enough smoke signals for everyone. Four of you will be considered to have failed the training.”

Instructor Evanesque states as she passes the smoke signal pellets to Instructor Yorgo.

“Those who fail will be assigned kitchen duty for a week. The same routine applies tomorrow. Those who fail again will be tasked with cleaning duty for a week. The same routine applies the day after tomorrow. Those who fail yet again will be assigned miscellaneous tasks at the orphanage for a week.

The more you fail, the less free time you’ll have. If you’re unhappy about it, give it your all. You’re free to devise your own methods for finding the pellets. Essentially, anything is fair game. Once you have a pellet, return to the tower and hand it to me for verification. … That concludes the briefing. Everyone, exit the tower.”

Run through the forest, locate the smoke signals emitting red smoke, and return to the tower.

As expected, it’s a variation of the “path.”

And it’s quite cunning.

You’re free to choose how to find them, and basically, anything goes.

I wonder if this means we’re being told something like, “Steal the signals from those who retrieve them,” or “Collect multiple signals by yourself,” or “Lay in wait outside the tower and ambush those who return.”

Wouldn’t that be a bit too harsh?

But unexpected occurrences like that, even within our expectations, wouldn’t be a bad learning experience, I believe.

If the training and tasks are ultimately designed to simulate real combat scenarios, then unexpected challenges would indeed enhance the effectiveness of the training.

Real combat rarely goes smoothly, after all.

Being able to improvise with the resources at hand is crucial in such situations.

…Am I overthinking it? Well, I suppose it’s prudent to be prepared just in case.