The three of them react differently to what I said.
Shun closes his eyes, looks down at his hands, and clenches his fists.
Kaede gulps, and her eyes wander like she’s looking for help.
Naoto grimaces, but then smiles with a shifty expression.
“I couldn’t at first. Now… I won’t hesitate to kill people if I have to. I’m asking you that because it would be dangerous if you couldn’t. Do you still want to go with us to the capital?”
Shun and Kaede look pale, but I think that’s a normal reaction.
Naoto on the other hand, drops his smile, and stares straight ahead.
“I-I still want to go.”
“Even if you think you might slow us down and put us in danger?”
It’s funny hearing me say that. It’s like I’m looking at myself in the past.
I don’t actually know how strong they are, but from what I heard, they can probably fight multiple knights, overpower them, and neutralize them.
But it could be said that no matter how big a difference there is in terms of power, the power of will has the strength to turn it around. Especially when people are fighting to the death, when a moment’s hesitation can cost you your life.
I imagine that knight, Richard, was feeling like this back when we went out looking for the bandits.
I feel like I did something bad, even though we weren’t given a choice. I should get him something the next time I see him.
“Shun, give it up. It was Sora. It should be fine if I’m the only one going. I’m probably the one who knows the castle best, right?”
“Kurosaki…”
“It’s all right Kaede. I’ll hide behind them if it comes to that.”
I’m not sure I like that answer, but at least Kaede looks reassured when she hears it.
I’m pretty sure they worked in the same company, and had a senpai and kouhai relationship, so I guess that makes sense to them.
According to Naoto, he went to places he was supposedly not allowed to enter, like the place where the holy sword was.
Shun looks frustrated, but in the end, it’s agreed that he’ll stay.
Now all that’s left is to prepare.
First, Naoto’s equipment. What he used when he attacked the demon king’s castle was left in unusable tatters by Ignis. It’s not just Naoto either, Shun and Kaede are the same. That guy really is merciless.
We go to the general store here in the faraway town, and manage to more or less get them the equipment they need. People here hunt in the dark forest, so they actually have more weapons and equipment than I expected. And they use materials from strong monsters.
Then we help them practice fighting against people. Apparently they did it with the chivalric orders of the capital, but they are actually pretty weak. Weak enough that I’m wondering if Naoto should really go.
They’ve got the fast movements of people with a high level, but they’re not used to fighting people at all.
“With moves so simple, you’re not going to beat even one of the kids.”
Rurika is currently facing Shun.
They’re using practice swords, but she’s hitting him pretty hard. That’s got to hurt.
That brings me back to the first time I was taken to the training area. It had to be done if I was going to protect myself, but she was pretty rough. Other adventurers looked at me with jealousy, but by the end, they were trying to console me. That’s a nice memory.
Also, when she said he couldn’t beat a kid, she pointed to the kids here.
Maybe it’s because they live in a dangerous area, but even kids that are a little younger than Hikari can fight. Apparently the biggest reason is actually because they play with Ghido, who at the same time trains them.
“Looks can be deceiving.”
Says Naoto while crouching and looking at Rurika.
I’m pretty sure he’s talking about how strict of an instructor she is. I also didn’t think she’d be that harsh at first.
“But people and monsters are completely different. We trained with knights, but that was just when we first got here. Then… They probably held back just to boost our confidence.”
“It makes sense to end up like this when you’re facing people who are used to fighting other people. When I fought Hikari the first time, I would’ve lost for sure if I didn’t have skills.”
Speaking of Hikari, she’s fighting Kaede. Kotori is on the ground nearby, but she’s a spirit mage, so I’m pretty sure that’s why her stamina is so low.
“Skills… Wasn’t it Walking? But why would they throw you out if you had more?”
“I learned the rest later.”
When I saw the status panel the first time, it didn’t mention that I would level up as I walked.
What that appraising magic item showed changed all of a sudden, but I was shown the door before I could even say anything.
“Then can I fight again? I want to at least be able to defend myself.”
Says Naoto, and Shun steps aside while breathing heavily.
Then the mock battles continue, until Suiren comes by to call us.
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Thanks for the treat.