Chapter 16 - Personal Weapon and Leader's Requirements
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About a week has passed since we left Governor Azazel's private lab.
During this week, we traveled to find a suitable place for my training.
Fortunately, before we left Governor Azazel gave us a map of the Underworld. So we don't have to be confused about where to go.
About two days since we left, I noticed Scathach-sama or Sakuya-san occasionally turned their heads and looked far away with sharp gaze.
From their behavior, I guessed that it seemed like someone was following and watching us from distance.
But since the two of them were silent and taking no action, I concluded that whoever it was likely had no bad intentions or became a threat to us. That's why he/she was left alone.
After a week of traveling, we arrived near a lake in a mountain valley in the Fallen Angel region of the Underworld that Scathach-sama had chosen for my training ground.
When we got there, it was already evening so we set up tents, had dinner and rested.
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The next day, my training to master spear fighting immediately began.
And when it was getting dusk, we ended today's training.
I then headed to the shore of the lake to take a bath.
However, after I finished removing all my clothes and started washing myself, a few minutes later I heard the sound of footsteps approaching.
And when I turned to the direction where the sound of the footsteps came from, I saw Scathach-sama walking.
"W-W-W-What are you doing!?"
I was shocked and stuttered because Scathach-sama walked towards me!
".... What's wrong? Is there a problem?"
Scathach-sama stopped walking for a moment and asked with a slight frown.
"Scathach-sama! I'm taking a bath here!"
I replied with a little nervous and embarrassed.
".... So what? I'm also going to take a bath."
After saying that, Scathach-sama continued to walk.
Seeing that, my eyes twitched.
"S-Scathach-sama, can't you take a bath after I'm done or find another place?"
Then, Scathach-sama stopped at the shore of the lake near me.
".... So what if I bath here and now?"
"I am a man, oh my goddess..."
Hearing my words, then Scathach-sama seemed to stare at the lower part of my body which was submerged under the water surface.
Realizing what she was staring at, I hurriedly covered my crotch with my hands!
"... Say it again at least in five years. Right now you are still too small to be considered a man."
Scathach-sama said to me with a flat tone and flat expression.
Meanwhile, hearing her statement, I felt like crying. Even though it's a fact that a 10 years old kid like me is still 'small', aren't you too cruel....
After that, Scathach-sama put down her red spear and started to undone her battlesuit.
Then, I was fascinated to see the beautiful scenery that appeared.... Or so I wanted to say. The truth was I immediately ran away because of embarrassment!
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After we finished a bath, the three of us sat down and ate dinner by the campfire.
I still feel a little awkward seeing Scathach-sama. But I can't help but get used to it and be as normal as possible.
After we finished having dinner, the three of us still sat by the campfire while drinking hot tea made by Sakuya-san.
Even though my body doesn't feel cold because of the Infinity Star Flame inside of me, it was moments like these that can warm my heart.
".... Rey, you better start considering getting your own personal spear. The mass-produced prototype spear made by Azazel obviously won't last long as you get stronger."
Scathach-sama suddenly said to me.
And hearing that, I frowned a little and thought.
"Hmm.... You're right. Maybe I'll make a summon for it later. But, what spear that can last long and suitable for me?"
".... It depends on yourself. The suitability of the weapon to the user depends on various factors such as size, weight, shape, etc. Not everyone feels suitable even though they are using the same weapon."
Hearing Scathach-sama's statement, I nodded slightly.
"Hm.... Sakuya-san, do you have an opinion?"
I took a look at Sakuya-san and asked her opinion too about my personal weapon.
And hearing my question, Sakuya-san seemed silent and thought for a moment.
After that, Sakuya-san nodded slightly then expressed her opinion.
"If Rey-sama intends to get a weapon through summoning, I think it would be better to summon a multifunctional weapon."
"Multifunctional?"
"Yes. A weapon that can change form and function which also varies to suit various conditions. It is more practical. That way, if for example Rey-sama has to fight in situations and conditions that are not suitable for using a spear, then Rey-sama can change that weapon into another form of weapon."
".... If such a weapon really existed, that would be very good."
Scathach-sama nodded slightly and agreed with Sakuya-san's opinion. But I frowned.
"If it's like that, doesn't that mean I also have to master other martial arts or other weapon skills?"
Scathach-sama nodded again at my question.
".... It's true. But it doesn't have to be either. If you want to be able to use weapons other than spears, you can learn and master the basics just enough. After all, to fully master the skills of various weapons is not something easy and needs time.... Besides, it would be better if you only fully mastered the spear skills. That's because if you wanted to have reliable servants, there will be no use of them if you could do everything yourself."
Hearing Scathach-sama's statement, Sakuya-san chuckled.
"Fufu.... That's right. If Rey-sama can do everything himself, then there's no point in me being here."
I smiled wryly at Sakuya-san's words.
Scathach-sama then continued speaking.
".... A leader does not have to be expert in everything but has subordinates who can be relied on in areas of expertise that he does not have. From there, it remains how a leader uses wisdom, leadership, and charisma to gain the loyalty of his subordinates and achieve success."
Hearing Scathach-sama's words of wisdom, I nodded firmly.
"I understand."
Scathach-sama is right.
I don't have to be a leader who specializes in everything. I don't even need to have an IQ of 200 to become a leader. What matters is how the quality of my leadership and my wisdom. And also how I choose those who will be my servants.
After that, the three of us chatted until our tea ran out and then slept in the tent.
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