Chapter 58: The Bludgeoning Holy Maiden, Lecty-chan
The forces of Prince Slay are led by Ann Traj, while Prince Brute’s side is commanded by Brown. Our side, under Prince Lucas, is led by Lily, and we quickly move from the classroom to the forest training grounds within the academy.
According to Alissa, the forest training ground is about 1000 meters on each side, which is only half the size of the actual battlefield. It is an artificially created forest, characterized by its lack of elevation and few obstacles for hiding.
This makes it difficult to execute strategies like ambushes or sneak attacks without being noticed by the enemy. We are bound to clash head-on due to the terrain.
“Has everyone received their weapons? Then, Prince Slay’s forces will move to Point A, Prince Brute’s forces to Point C, and the rest of us will head to Point B.”
We each grab our wooden weapons from the storage and split up as per Alissa’s instructions.
Points A and C are positioned diagonally from each other, while we are assigned to Point B, which is nestled between A and C. This location is perilously close to both sides, making it highly likely that we will be caught in a pincer attack during this mock group battle.
At the edge of the forest training ground, on a small hill with a clear view and no trees, the flag for Point B stands tall. We must defend this position with just five people.
There is a ten-minute interval before the mock group battle begins. During this time, I, Rouge, Lily, Lecty, and Idiot gather near the flag to discuss our strategy.
“That said, with just five of us, our options are pretty limited.”
“We have no choice but to focus on defense,” I replied.
Prince Slay’s forces consist of 15 members, while Prince Brute’s have 10. The numerical disadvantage is overwhelming, with a three-to-one and two-to-one ratio against us.
“Don’t worry! Just leave it to me, Idiot Hautness! With the two of us, we can easily turn this numbers game around!” Idiot declared confidently.
“Don’t drag me into this… Are you really planning to charge into the enemy camp with just the two of us? That would leave our defense vulnerable.”
Since I switched my skill to Swordsmanship during a bathroom break, if Idiot and I charge into the enemy camp, we might be able to take out one of their forces.
However, this mock group battle involves three sides. If the other side attacks while we are away, Rouge, Lily, and Lecty will be forced to defend.
“Hmm… Lily Puridi, your skill is a Professional Skill, right? Doesn’t it also encompass combat capabilities?”
“I’ve tried various weapons, but unfortunately, none felt comfortable in my hands. I lack the benefits of Physical Enhancement, and I’ve always struggled with my athleticism. So please, don’t count on me as a combat asset.”
Lily sighed, clearly frustrated. It seems her inability to perform athletically is a complex for her.
However, her skill, Strategist, is powerful enough to more than compensate for that flaw. It automatically identifies allies and enemies within a 1500-meter radius and displays them from a bird’s-eye view. It can even read complex terrains, including the internal structures of buildings, making ambushes and sneak attacks ineffective against her.
Lily’s top-ranking admission to the Royal Academy, which focuses on skill utilization in warfare, was likely due to her being evaluated as a commander rather than a mere soldier. Otherwise, Idiot, who excels in raw combat power, would have been the top choice.
“Then it’s my turn to shine! While you all go on the offensive, I’ll use my skill to defend our territory!” Rouge proclaimed confidently.
Rouge’s skill, Wind Strike, generates powerful gusts over a wide area. It certainly seems promising for defense, but…
“I still think one person alone is outnumbered. No matter how powerful your skill is, you can’t keep using it indefinitely, right?”
“Oh, right…”
Rouge’s shoulders slumped in disappointment. While her Wind Strike is powerful, it doesn’t incapacitate opponents. If we allow the enemy to close in while she’s unable to use her skill, we would be overwhelmed.
I recently learned in class that using skills places both physical and mental strain on the user. Especially for Natural Skills like Firekinesis and Rouge’s Wind Strike, the consumption is said to be severe.
I want to avoid strategies that would force Rouge to continuously use her skill.
…Thinking back, when Rouge was kidnapped, I tried to increase the number of targets for my Brainwashing skill and was struck by an excruciating headache. In hindsight, that was likely due to the strain on my brain from exceeding the limits of the Brainwashing skill.
So far, I haven’t felt any strain while using Ninja or Clairvoyance, but perhaps switching skills could impose a significant burden on the mind and body…
“Then, the most promising defense force seems to be Lady Lecty…”
“Me!?” Lecty exclaimed in surprise as Idiot called her name while I was lost in thought.
She was holding a wooden staff in her hands.
…To hide the truth, Lecty’s Holy Maiden skill apparently encompasses the Staff Arts skill, making her adept with weapons like staves and clubs.
Moreover, it comes with the bonus of Physical Enhancement. In terms of sheer combat power, I probably wouldn’t stand a chance against her without my Brainwashing skill.
Now that I think about it, even when Idiot chased her around the city, she managed to escape. She must have unconsciously used Physical Enhancement back then.
“However, placing the defense of our territory solely on Lady Lecty… hmm…”
Idiot crossed his arms, deep in thought.
“I think it’s too much for Lecty, considering her personality.”
As I pointed this out, Lecty nodded in agreement. Just because she has an aptitude for the staff doesn’t mean she can actually bring herself to hit someone with it.
“Hmm… Then I suppose I have no choice but to bravely charge into the enemy camp alone!”
“Rejected, Idiot. If my predictions are correct, we don’t need to move from here.”
“What? Lily Puridi, what do you mean by that—”
As Idiot raised his question, the sound of a trumpet echoed from afar.
It was the signal announcing the end of the interval and the start of the mock group battle.