246. Final Review and Determination

“Alright, we’re done for today. Good work, everyone—”

Today’s hellish training has finally ended. Not just me, but Ichinose-san and the others are collapsed on the sand like tattered rags.

(Dammit, we can’t win at all…)

Nearly a week has passed since we started these mock battles against the Sea King’s clones, yet we haven’t managed a single victory. The reason is simple: the Sea King’s clones are just too much of a cheat.

(Is it even fair for the opponent to change mid-fight…?)

The clones frequently change their appearance in the middle of combat. One moment I’m fighting a clone of myself, and in the next instant, it transforms into a member of the Vanguard. Then it might shift into Ichinose-san, Rikka-chan, Momo, Sora, Nishino-kun, or even the “Strings” and so on. They transform fluidly, and every time they do, their skills and combat styles switch. We still haven’t found a path to victory against that level of versatility and sheer number of moves.

“Once you get back to the Safe Zone, don’t just rely on potions; have someone with healing skills treat you as much as possible. It’ll help raise their levels too.”

“Haa… haa… understood.”

In that case, I’ll ask Shibata-kun. Nijo is a bit… well, she touches me way too much during treatment. And her face is a little scary…

“Oh, by the way.”

“?”

Libera-san suddenly looked my way.

“Kazuto, you haven’t gone ‘all out’ even once during this training. I wonder why?”

“Huh…? No, I’ve been giving it my all the whole time.”

There’s no way I could slack off during training like that. If I lose focus for even a second, I could actually die.

“……I see. So you’re unaware.”

On the contrary, Libera-san nodded as if she had reached an understanding.

“Then I’ll rephrase. You’ve been fighting this whole time while trying not to catch Natsu and the others in your own attacks, haven’t you? Why?”

“Eh? Well, I mean, obviously? Normal ninja arts or skills aside, things like Super Ninja Arts have massive power and range. I have no choice but to adjust them so I don’t hurt those around me.”

“Exactly. That’s correct.”

“……?”

“But to put it another way, that’s the same as constantly holding back your power, isn’t it?”

“Eh…… ah.”

It hit me then.

“You’ve finally noticed. Yes, Kazuto—you’ve become too strong. You’re constantly and unconsciously saving your strength so you don’t damage your allies. The only times you can truly go all out are when you’re alone, or when you activate ‘Heroic Hymn’ and your allies are strengthened.”

“……”

“This isn’t your fault. In fact, for a holder of ‘Early Maturity,’ it’s inevitable. Your growth rate is so fast that those around you can’t keep up.”

“……”

Not just me, but Ichinose-san and the others were listening intently to Libera-san’s words. Because what she was saying was an undeniable fact.

“So from now on, more than leveling up, you need to raise your skill proficiency. You must reach a point where you can fight without worrying about collateral damage, no matter who is around you.”

“……Isn’t that a contradiction?”

How can I be told to fight without worrying, while also being told I’m saving power because the skills are too strong and would cause collateral damage? No, I see what Libera-san is getting at. In short, I haven’t fully mastered my own power yet. If I can handle my power with perfect precision, I’ll be able to use my skills by focusing solely on the enemy, regardless of who is nearby.

“It seems you understand. Once you can do that, you’ll be a full-fledged combatant. You’ll stand on the same stage as me, Shuram, and the Vanguard. You already have the foundation for it. All that’s left is whether you can master it or not.”

“……I get it. I’ll work on it.”

“Good. That’s the spirit.”

When I nodded, Libera-san gave a wide grin. Then, poyon poyon, the Sea King approached. Standing before me, the Sea King abruptly punched Libera-san, sending her flying.

“Hebuh!?”

『Now, I shall provide my final review of the training thus far.』

“Um, Sea King…?”

『No problem. It is a necessary process.』

……I’ll stop questioning it. Seeing Libera-san head-down in the sand, I decided to just ignore it.

『Well, regarding you, it is mostly the same as what she said. Master your own power further. You possess a wide variety of skills; once you are proficient, you will be able to perform even more interesting skill combinations. You have seen the example, have you not?』

“Yeah, I’ve seen it more than I’d like during these mock battles…”

The Sea King’s clones. That fighting style—shifting forms mid-battle and showing fluid, diverse tactics—is surely the goal I should reach for. Five occupations, a mountain of skills, ninja arts, and the countless weapons and tools stored in my Item Box. If I can master all of them, I should be able to overcome even the Sea King’s clones.

“I’ll do my best.”

『Very well.』

The Sea King vibrated slightly and then turned toward Ichinose-san and the others.

『Next, for you all—』

The Sea King paused there for a moment.

『Your weakness is clear. You are extremely strong when fighting as a group, but you are more fragile than expected when separated.』

” ” “……” ” “

Ichinose-san and the others looked grim at the Sea King’s words. They likely realized it themselves. The mock battles had forced the realization upon us. Whenever we fought as a group, the Sea King’s clones made sure we were forced to fight individually. They constantly split us up, preventing us from using our teamwork. As a result, we couldn’t display our true strength and suffered crushing, consecutive defeats.

『However, that is due to your combat styles. Ichinose Natsu’s “Sniping,” Igarashi Touka’s “Spirit Summoning,” and Aisaka Rikka’s “Onification” are ideal combat styles for long, medium, and short ranges respectively.』

Specialized combat styles. They are extremely strong in their respective fields. That is exactly why they become weak when forced onto a different playing field. If Ichinose-san or Igarashi-san are closed in on, or if Rikka-chan is shot from a distance, their defeat is almost guaranteed.

『Raising your individual base strength is a given, but in addition to that, I shall add one more special training session. If you overcome it, you will be able to stand on the same stage as the Owner of Early Maturity. Do not worry, you can become even stronger. I and she shall guarantee it.』

” ” “……Yes!” ” “

Ichinose-san and the others’ expressions brightened at those words. That’s right, we can still get stronger. We have to work harder. So, Sea King, please pull Libera-san out of the sand now.

“Phew, the inside of the sand smells weird. Peh peh.”

『……I wish you had stayed there a bit longer.』

The Sea King looked at Libera-san, who had risen from the sand, with an annoyed gaze.

“I have business with Shuram, so you guys can head back first.”

“? Understood.”

Leaving Libera-san and the Sea King behind, we left the area.

(Now, once we’re back at the base, it’s time for stat distribution…)

Through this week of training, I’ve jumped up to LV15. I’d put off the stat distribution for a while, but now seems like the right time. I was secretly excited about how to use all the points I’d saved up.

—After Kazuto and the others left, Libera sat down on the sand. Her favorite jersey and robe were covered in sand, but she’d already been head-first in it anyway, so it was a bit late for that. Sea King Shuram lined up beside her.

“Well, it’s gotten quiet.”

『Indeed…』

The conversation they were about to have couldn’t be heard by the others. That was why they needed to be alone.

“……Shuram, give me your honest opinion. If they continue to grow steadily like this, and we and the Vanguard end up fighting, what do you think will happen?”

『……Well.』

Shuram pondered for a while and then said:

『There is a possibility of winning. However, sacrifice is unavoidable. Even if you and I, and the current Wolf King and Dragon King candidate stake our lives, more than half of them will likely be sacrificed…』

Even if they gathered all their forces and everything went well, more than half of Kazuto’s group would lose their lives. That was Shuram’s prediction. Hearing this, Libera let out a long breath.

“I figured as much—”

It matched Libera’s own prediction. Even accounting for luck, compatibility, coincidence, and miracles, half survived at best. At worst, total annihilation. If one considered that the sacrifice of only a dozen or so people could save the rest of the world’s population, it might be a small price. But they couldn’t simply write it off as a necessary sacrifice. Both Libera and Shuram had grown that fond of Kazuto and the others.

“……If only we had at least two more years, or even just one. With that much time, they could surpass even the Vanguard or us.”

Their future was filled with that much potential. But reality would not wait. There were less than four months until the decisive battle with the Vanguard. Ironically, it was only after becoming an undead that Libera realized how precious time was.

『That is because you always used to waste time.』

“I’m reflecting on that. So… if there’s any way, I want to do something.”

『We have no choice but to struggle. If we give up, nothing will start in the first place.』

“……Exactly.”

『……』

Looking at Libera’s profile as she stared at the water’s surface, Shuram was filled with unease. It was the face she made when she was thinking of something bad.

『……Libera, do not think of anything strange. The Vanguard is not so weak that your solitary sacrifice would change anything.』

“……I’m not thinking about anything like that.”

『If so, then fine. Let me tell you, while I am prepared to stake my life, I have no intention of throwing it away. Nor do I intend to accept anything as a necessary sacrifice. There is no future I will choose other than one where every one of them survives. This is a final decision.』

“Oh my, as expected of the Sea King. So cool.”

『Do not tease me. Let me tell you, Libera.』

“What?”

『We shall all survive together. Naturally, that includes you. Do not forget that.』

“—”

『I shall say it once more. Even if you stake your life, never, under any circumstances, throw it away. It is a promise.』

“……Yes, I promise.”

Satisfied, Shuram ended the conversation and sank into the sea. Libera watched him go for a long time. The time for the decisive battle with the Vanguard was drawing closer every moment.

End of 246