NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 118
After watching KAEDE’s transformation show, which felt more like a fashion show, Karukira and I headed straight to the training ground in the team house’s courtyard.
“Hey, Karukira, what about your duty?”
“No worries! I can still keep watch from the courtyard!” she said confidently.
Karukira strode forward with her massive, crushingly heavy black-bladed axe in hand. Her weapon, the *Great Axe Bulk*, had a jet-black blade resembling obsidian, and a unique feature—a special mineral on the opposite side that, when infused with magic, caused explosive shockwaves.
Thanks to that, the weapon could deal devastating blows to even the toughest enemies, and without magic, Karukira could simply use its sheer mass to deliver crushing strikes. This level of versatility was made possible by her immense strength. Even in Asphial, where people have higher physical abilities, her strength stood out. She could crush bricks with a simple squeeze, a necessary level of power to wield a weapon that weighs hundreds of kilos.
“What about training weapons?” I asked.
“I use them against rookies, but against someone like her? There’s no need.”
Karukira didn’t bother picking up any of the training weapons, which were designed with magic to absorb shocks, and instead, stood in the middle of the training ground holding her *Great Axe Bulk*.
She glanced at me briefly before turning her attention to KAEDE, who waited behind me, seemingly not grasping the meaning behind Karukira’s actions.
From what I gathered, Karukira wanted to fight KAEDE in a real battle setting. No holding back.
“Sure, learning how to handle a weapon is important, but so is training to endure pain. It’s no good if you crumble from a mere fracture, no matter how skilled you are with a weapon,” she stated.
“…” I remained silent, considering her words.
In this world, healing potions exist as an almost universal cure-all. For that reason, training often included enduring some pain to get used to it. Small bruises were considered part of the process. Though, breaking bones would usually be going too far. Still, compared to Japan, injuries here are taken more lightly.
“Pain teaches lessons that stick. You can’t learn after you’re dead,” Karukira added.
For beginner adventurers, the first thing they learn is how to properly use a shield to protect themselves from monsters’ attacks. Karukira herself trains them by having them block her swings with her *Great Axe Bulk*, albeit lightly.
While they’re taught proper form, it’s said that the real learning comes from enduring the hits and feeling the pain. It makes sense—it accelerates the learning curve and gets them used to actual combat faster.
“In that sense, the captain’s pretty soft. She’s patient with rookies, treating them like nobles or something,” Karukira remarked.
“That’s one of the captain’s good points, though,” she added, evaluating Saioji’s training approach.
Listening to her, I couldn’t help but think Karukira’s method seemed more efficient, but as a fellow Japanese, I still appreciated Saioji’s approach.
“Normally, the captain would get mad if I didn’t use training weapons. But the ones here are too light. If I’m going all out, it’s gotta be this.” She hoisted her *Great Axe Bulk* into the air.
Lifting a weapon that weighed hundreds of kilos with one arm, Karukira aimed it at KAEDE, as if declaring a challenge. KAEDE, however, remained calm and expressionless.
“KAEDE, can you fight her? Use something like a sword or spear, okay?” I asked.
“Understood, Master.”
It wouldn’t have been fair to refuse Karukira at this point, so I let KAEDE take the challenge. Of course, I had to impose some restrictions—if KAEDE used something like a railgun or a plasma cannon, Karukira would be obliterated.
“I’m ready whenever,” KAEDE said.
“Let’s do this!” Karukira shouted enthusiastically.
From KAEDE’s arm, liquid metal began to drip, forming into a weapon I recognized.
“Wait, that’s…”
“I thought using the same weapon as my opponent would be the best way to gauge my abilities.”
The weapon that KAEDE’s liquid metal formed was an exact replica of Karukira’s *Great Axe Bulk*. Just like Karukira, KAEDE hoisted the massive weapon effortlessly, signaling that she was ready.
“Bring it on!”
Though it was unclear if KAEDE had meant to provoke her, Karukira didn’t seem angry. Instead, she grinned fiercely, like a carnivore eyeing its prey, before raising her own *Great Axe Bulk* to strike.