Chapter 118: The Rookie Evaluation
: Not really getting it, lol
: So...one's just shooting weird stuff from a dagger and the other uses some strange magical arrow?
: Brutal yet accurate, lol
: Just based on their abilities, they could totally pass as mid-layer explorers, though
: Why are they still G-rank, then?
: Probably because they're beginners?
"Now, let's go over the weaknesses we saw, shall we?"
Just from watching that last fight, I could tell why these two are still stuck at G-rank. Well, in Kishitani's case, it's partly something he just can't overcome on his own.
"First, Mimika."
"Yes!"
"Hmm… So, you can't use magic, right?"
"Eh!? How did you know that!?"
I figured as much.
: What's that supposed to mean?
: I have no idea what Kisaragi's seeing here, lol
: What does Kisaragi even notice that we can't?
"It's similar to Kanakon… you're good at releasing raw magic, but you're really bad at shaping it. I'd say you lack the imagination that's crucial for using magic."
Magic is a way to create miracles using one's own magic power. But it requires a certain level of visualization to direct it effectively. People who have trouble multitasking are generally bad at handling magic. As for Mimika and Kanakon, though, it seems to be an innate limitation rather than just lack of experience.
"In other words, right now, Mimika's just shooting magic as raw power... like tossing a bullet with her bare hands instead of using a gun. Still, managing to smash a goblin's head with just that is pretty impressive."
: Isn't she just a gorilla at this point?
: Lol
: Another magic-impaired gorilla, here we go
: Whoever called Kanakon the "gorilla with a two-handed axe"—that's on you
: That'd be you
: Isn't it impossible to become a dungeon explorer if you can't use magic? So, is it just raw gorilla power that gets you through?
: In the end, physical strength is what counts
: Yep, she's totally a gorilla
"So, for improvements… like Kanakon, you'll need a weapon that conducts magic more easily. Also, instead of trying to launch magic at a distance, get up close and hit them with everything you've got."
"Basically?"
"Get closer and punch harder."
"Got it!"
: LOL
: Instant understanding
: The way he explains it is hilarious
: Is that okay, though?
: Yep, still a gorilla
: Love me some gorilla logic
Yep...there's not much else to add. There's also the issue of her poor magic flow, but she's still a beginner, so that's fine. That's why I'm diving in with her today—to work on that.
"Alright, next is Kishitani."
"Y-yes!"
"...Close-range weapons are absolutely not your thing, are they?"
"You can tell?"
From his footwork to his gaze...it's pretty obvious. He genuinely struggles with close-range weapons, which is why he relies on a bow.
"And, I'm guessing that if an enemy gets too close, you're at a total loss?"
"Yeah… I just can't seem to aim properly when they're right in front of me."
: Isn't that the opposite of what you'd expect?
: But it's a magic bow, after all
: I don't understand what it's like to shoot arrows without actual arrows
: Is that just how it works?
When he says "magic arrows," he's really just shooting a magical form through his bow. He's not actually drawing an arrow—he's casting magic with a unique routine by pulling the bowstring. I can make a wind blade that can slice a goblin in half with my bare hands too, after all. Basically, his fighting style is like Kamishiro's, who mainly uses magic.
Mimika can't use magic because she lacks the imagery to release it, whereas Kishitani uses his bow to visualize and release magic. It's an unusual approach, making it tricky to give advice, but there is something I can suggest.
"First, don't even think about what to do when enemies get close."
"What!?"
"Your combat style was never designed for solo combat. It's not possible."
: LOL, "Not possible"
: True, firing a magic arrow means he'd need someone covering him
: Couldn't he just boost his body and move quickly?
: If he could do that, he'd be fine with close combat
: So, he's just giving it up?
"Make sure you're in at least a two-person team when you're in the dungeon. That's why you're part of the group."
"...Doudou, could I count on you?"
"Me? Not the boss?"
"Well, the boss… can handle everything on his own, can't he?"
Yeah… I guess that's true.
: Yep
: Lol
: Fair point
: I mean, it's not like Kisaragi needs anyone to cover him with a bow
: If he really needed it, he'd just create a shikigami
: One-man army
: Kisaragi might be fine alone, honestly
: Why is Kamishiro still exploring solo, anyway?
: EX status
: That label solves everything
If Kishitani's made his choice, I won't say anything, but… I'll admit, I'm a little disappointed.
"Beyond that, you two mostly need to focus on the basics. There's also the magic flow, but… that requires feeling the magic circulate internally first, which might be tricky. You can ask Asagao to help with that."
"Wait, Asagao instead of you?"
"Yes. She's got this unique ability to actually see magic, so she can explain it verbally, unlike me, who just goes by feeling."
Most explorers rely on intuition to circulate magic, but Asakawa can actually see and consciously control it. She's far better suited for teaching this than I am.
: Isn't being able to see magic totally OP?
: Yeah, that's one of Asagao's insane abilities
: And it's so powerful that even Kisaragi can't see it, right?
: Asagao's secretly amazing, huh?
: She's obviously a hardcore explorer
: Going straight into full-time exploring after high school is pretty intense
"Alright, next is Doudou."
"Oh… me too?"
"Yes. We're not going to push you too hard, so don't worry."
"Alright then."
: "Yet"
: He's totally being tricked
: C'mon, Panda, are you that clueless?
: LOL
: When the viewers are more aware than the guy himself
To be honest, Doudou's fighting style could handle a bit more strain than Asagao's. His defense is exceptional. Well… I sometimes wonder if he's too focused on shielding and doesn't move enough, though. He also doesn't have a solo-oriented fighting style. In that sense, he's likely a good match for Kishitani.