Chapter 149
"The latest Firearms Arts innovations, aside from copying the original Laterano Gun, include the fact that we've started producing Laterano's new 9mm ammunition... However, you seem to be a very old-school.45 caliber supporter, so please allow me to introduce an upgraded version based on the.45 standard Etch Rounds."
"That is a special type of ammunition made by hand reloading and replacing the etching process with a high-pressure forming process, without changing the caliber or the basic structure of the firearm."
"As you know, the.45 caliber standard Etch Rounds is a low-velocity heavy bullet, characterized by a heavy bullet, low muzzle velocity, and high kinetic energy. A standard full metal jacket Etch Rounds without any magical enhancement weighs 15 grams, has a muzzle velocity of 255 meters per second, and a muzzle energy of 483 joules."
"Based on high-pressure forming of Originium igniter and a weighted D34 Alloy armor-piercing projectile, we have created a special ammunition with a muzzle velocity of 400 meters per second and a muzzle energy of 900 joules..."
"However, because its recoil is so great, few people can maintain stable firing while keeping the gun firing steadily... and some shooters even believe that the effort required to control this ammunition is at the level of traditional magic... It is better to use it than to cast a spell in the traditional way, because it abandons the most important convenience and operability of Firearms Arts."
"Therefore, whether or not to switch to this enhanced ammunition is perhaps a decision you will have to make yourself."
Watching the ammunition expert take out the yellowish-orange ammunition, which was supposed to be reloaded but looked brand new, Nana glanced at the 'Columbia Arms' stamp on the ammunition base and pursed her lips, but Nana didn't say anything, and simply pressed it into the magazine with practiced ease.
The ammunition specialist then pulled a lever, revealing a compartment on the side of the room filled with sound-absorbing materials and targets.
"Please use this area for test firing."
"Remind that idiot to wear headphones."
Even in her favorite ammunition procurement environment, Nana still missed that silly girl who was adjusting the bow's draw weight and Originium Arts pass rate, unaware of the meaning behind the earphone she was given.
As the souvenir named Silver Dancer danced for the first time in the eyes of outsiders, Nana, without Originium Arts attached, pulled the trigger and experienced the real feeling of 'control' a firearm for the first time... Yes, Nana had a rare concept of recoil.
The massive muzzle flash and deafening gunshot startled Nana. The ammunition specialist stared in disbelief as the girl, whose figure could perhaps be described as slender, effortlessly fired a whole magazine of ammunition with one arm holding the gun without flinching.
With a crisp metallic clang, wisps of smoke rose slowly from the open chamber of the Silver Dancer's empty magazine and disappeared. Nana inhaled the slightly altered scent of the bullets, a result of the changed manufacturing process, and nodded in satisfaction.
What's so difficult to control? Isn't this quite easy to control?
"It's quite good. Can it be used in conjunction with spells?"
"Of course, the significance of using the expensive D34 military alloy lies precisely in this..."
Ignoring the ammunition expert's unnecessary sales pitch, Nana replaced the magazine with a brand new one and screwed on the matching silencer... Then she raised the gun, and Halo and wings of black flames suddenly appeared, followed by a 'biu' sound that almost melted into the room's sound-absorbing material... Nana raised an eyebrow.
"... They even absorbed the sonic boom?"
"After all, it has to be worth the cost of producing a single four-figure Lungmen Dollar, right?"
Although she was mentally prepared, Nana was still stunned for a moment when she heard the calculation of the price of the new ammunition, which included two zeros.
But soon, thinking that if she didn't work harder, CAI might be finished, Nana reluctantly swiped her card to pay extra and filled the magazines and her Backpack with the new ammunition.
Of course, just to be on the safe side, only the Silver Dancer in her left holster and the spare compact pistol were filled with the new ammunition. Considering that Nana's main hand weapon also had other shooting needs, Nana also purchased some ordinary.45 Etch Rounds.
Having finished all the preparations, put on her watch, grabbed her new phone and a flamboyant bright red wallet to match her persona, Nana had the makeup artist touch up her makeup, closed the hand mirror, and looked at Typhon, who had already picked up the giant longbow that was a replica of the Demons projection.
Unlike his usual dazed and silly appearance when looking around, Typhon seemed like a completely different person once he picked up a bow and arrow.
Calm, steady... but the most frequent comment this child made to archery expert Wu Yiqiba was that the arrows were "too light."
The bow made with ordinary craftsmanship was too light, and the arrows made with ordinary craftsmanship were also too light. Although all the experts present noticed the Sarkaz tail that occasionally peeked out from under the girl's skirt after getting up close... they still felt that the bow and arrows with the weight of a siege crossbow were too light for her plump and petite figure... They could only comfort themselves by thinking of Nana's nonchalant attitude and say, "She is no ordinary person."
This made things difficult for the archery specialist. He had already explained, with a mix of amusement and exasperation, that greater bow arm strength wasn't necessarily better, and heavier bows weren't necessarily better either. But Typhon was stubborn. Nana had said that all attributes were based on that Demons projection, so they really were based on the Demons projection, not even a single decimal point could be changed.
Typhon had forgotten the original origin of that giant bow, but based on its technology and description, the archery expert clearly stated that it was likely a weapon used by the Sarkaz 'Giants'.
Are her family members also 'Giants' like Alki? Little Typhon didn't know, and she didn't care.
As a student, she put in a tremendous amount of mental effort into meeting the requirements set by her 'teacher'... and in the end, even the archery expert couldn't resist Typhon... or rather, Nana's request.
[You should make that bow for her according to the standards of Giants...]
So, while muttering things like "ease of use is also important" and "excessive bow arm strength will only affect shooting accuracy," which Nana didn't care about, Typhon's new weapon was freshly made.
It was a weapon made entirely as a replica of that giant bow, with its multiple pulleys not designed to save effort at all, because Typhon could easily draw it even from such a monster... These grotesque pulleys were simply designed to save effort once the bow was drawn.
Because this monster, made with piezoelectric materials, has a base weight of 5,000 pounds, ordinary wooden arrows can be split in two by the bowstring made of twisted metal wire when placed on the arrow rest.
Based on the structure of a normal arrow, in order to make this bow perform to its full potential, archery experts created siege crossbow-shaped arrows for Typhon that were almost as tall as herself, made entirely of metal.
After inquiring about the target of the hunt, the archery expert determined that the arrow was designed with a triangular arrowhead to ensure armor penetration, and a metal fletching to prevent it from falling off. The arrow itself, made of a high-hardness alloy and a tough composite material, was barely able to be nocked on the arrow rest and fired.
Looking at the balancing fins, which were designed to keep such a huge arrow balanced in two parts, the archery expert showed an expression that was almost one of collapse:
"What did I just do...? It feels like I can just insert a sleeve and fire the city defense cannon..."
"Good idea, I'll let her try it when I have the chance."
Whether Nana was genuinely thinking this or simply joking, the expert just smiled and didn't respond. But then, as he watched the purple-haired girl carry the enormous arrow rack with only five arrows on her back, the expert's expression was one of utter pain.
"I really don't want to admit that I made something that can only be used five times... Perhaps you could consider preparing extra arrows near the vehicle or the usage scenario in advance? I've already sent the relevant process and design files to your phone."
Just as Nana was pondering this question, Typhon, with the bow and arrow straps digging into his chest, Typhon appeared:
"No need to prepare more arrows, my spell can recover them... Of course, I might still need to prepare some spare arrows."
"Your magic?"
Seeing Nana looking at her strangely, Typhon realized she hadn't discussed her combat abilities with Kitty Teacher, so she gestured to the weapon box covered in sealing tape.
"Senior Master, do you remember? The frozen enemy you saw was my magic."
Typhon's words made Nana realize something. She had originally thought that the lack of diffusion of the projection on the weapon was Alki's doing, but now it seemed that Typhon himself was the key.
However, after realizing how the little one addressed her, Nana expressionlessly slapped her on the head with a chop to the head:
"Either a senior or a master, how can you be mixed up with someone from Liuling and Ersanba?" Lin
Looking at Typhon, now sporting a trendy, sheer makeup look, dressed in Lycoris uniform and small leather shoes... completely devoid of any rural air, Nana, pressing her still-simple low pigtails, bowed to an expert: Yes.
"Well then, thank you all very much... I'm very satisfied with your service, this order is settled." (Jiu)
As everyone politely bowed and left with their valuable tokens, Nana glanced at the room piled high with belongings. She and Typhon had everything they needed and were dressed for, including small items like cell phones. Finally, she picked up the electronic car key—which, supposedly, had only run five kilometers for a vehicle inspection and had no other mileage—and twirled it a couple of times. Under Nana's watchful gaze, Typhon carefully folded open the Demons giant bow, still attached to its sealed box, and stuffed it into the suitcase...
Wait a minute? Fold it open from the middle?
He rushed over to take a look and discovered that the broken seal on the box wasn't actually broken in the middle, but rather its structure had been distorted spatially... Without severing physical continuity, Typhon had altered the box's shape, transforming its original long strip into a rectangle that could fit into a suitcase.
"... Aren't space-based and time-based spells supposed to be extremely rare? Why do I feel like all the kids I've met lately are similarly rare?"
"Is it that rare? As you know, Kitty Teacher, I don't understand these things... But, Alki also said that I was able to survive in that state thanks to this Originium Arts."
"However, I didn't pay much attention at first, but after everyone on Rhodes Island found out I was the Infected, they always looked at me strangely... not in a hateful way, but..."
"It just feels a bit inexplicable, doesn't it?"
Feeling the warmth of the teacher's hand above his head, Typhon hummed in agreement, then packed his suitcase and grasped the hand that had been frantically rubbing his face all day.
Although Alki had touched him gently like that in his childhood memories, as he grew older and became busy learning skills in various tribes, such contact gradually ceased.
Typhon didn't dislike this exchange of body heat. Having witnessed how Kitty Teacher dealt with Demons as easily as chopping vegetables, Typhon loved to be near Nana... It was an absolutely safe and peaceful dreamland, just like when he was with Alki.
"They just feel sorry for you, especially since you once said something like, 'Isn't it normal for Sarkaz to have Oripathy?'... Because of your ignorance, you seem even more pitiful in the eyes of ordinary people."
"Pity... the pity of compassion?"
"To me, perhaps it's more like pity... How should I put it, your innocent appearance, untainted by common Pollution... is rather adorable."
Seeing Kitty Teacher chuckle softly, Typhon puffed out his cheeks in dissatisfaction... This gesture was something he'd learned from Rosemary, that Little Cat. Whenever he made that expression, Kitty Teacher would gently ruffle his hair... Sasha's touch felt incredibly comfortable, Typhon loved it.
Nana enjoyed the feel of the plump little Typhon, then remembered she had important business to attend to:
"In short, that bow was bent and folded by spatial magic, so the seal won't be leaked... right?"
"Yes, as long as it's not subjected to external forces or spatial distortions, it'll be fine. I often take it with me when we go through Sami's caves; it's very stable."
"... Actually, judging from the nature of magic, even if we are affected, it's just a spatial distortion returning to its original state. Our biggest loss is nothing more than a suitcase... Well, let's just leave it at that."
As she spoke, Nana picked up the butterfly knife, claw knife, and combat dagger from her hidden belt, checking their positions and the feel of the drawstring. After confirming they were properly concealed, Backpack shoulder.
"Let's go meet the agent... After we meet the guide, we can go to Mary's place and see what the bed will be like tonight."
Oh!~
P. S.: Oh well... Even though it's my birthday today, I've been writing ever since I woke up... There's another chapter tonight, but I'm going to have my birthday meal first... Yes, I did finish this temporary birthday celebration!
Happy birthday to me! And happy birthday to all my friends who share the same birthday!
PSS: On another note, let's get back to those luxury goods, cosmetics, and luxury cars that I've never even seen... Since I'm lazy, I've only used things that I already own in real life. So, if anyone knows about these things, please explain them to me, and let me see if those are the same things I found online... Mainly, as a country kid, I've never seen anything like them before and want to see what they are.
Regarding the watch, I simply stated my requirements. Those who understand these kinds of things are welcome to explain in the comments.
PS2: Meow Meow Cat
The cat is playing with its tail~↑ Although it's an old picture, it's still pretty and cute~
5th Laytonson's Ghost Assassin: 160 Inoue Takina
Leaving the opulent the Hotel, the two girls moved from the bustling neutral area into the upper-level parking lot, accompanied by the clatter of their suitcase wheels.
The electronic luxury car key, which cost one token, had buttons that felt no different from the tactile feedback of Nana's old cheap mobile phones. As the buzzer beeped, Nana smiled and guided Typhon, who looked rather awkward, to sit in the leather seat that looked even more luxurious than the clothes she was wearing.
As the footsteps around them ceased to conceal their movements, those still seemingly mindful of the authority of the neutral zone stood at a distance, glaring menacingly in that direction.
Nana greeted them with a smile, but these people rudely gestured as if to behead Nana.
"That's so rude!"
Clearly, Nana's mood had soured because of these people. A faint Blacklight swept over her, and Nana unexpectedly raised the corner of her eye before getting into the armored vehicle, which was only resembling a supercar in appearance.
As the inline six-cylinder turbo engine roared to life, in an instant, all that remained on the retinas of the unknown organization's members was a streak of red light... The ICA's red-clad ace, whom the intelligence indicated needed to pay special attention to, vanished without a trace.
"Your Excellency, we have missed an opportunity..."
The tall, muscular man, who had been silent until now, lowered his voice:
"It's unlikely we'll have another chance like this to launch a massive attack on the ICA's elite forces... We have over thirty combat teams in neutral territory ready to engage in battle at any time. Even against the ICA's top-tier combat power, we have the strength to fight them."
"Then, boycotted by the entire Columbia underworld, officially designated a terrorist organization by the government, and subsequently left to wander the wilderness, becoming a savage like Rusthammers?"
The lead armed man took out a cigarette, raised his finger, and a flame immediately ignited at the tip, swirling with blue smoke.
"Do you remember what I said at the beginning about why we were valued?"
"... Because what other organizations dared not do, we dared... In Columbia, no one dared to take action against the ICA, so all those pent-up orders flowed into our hands."
"So, who do you think are the people who want to take down the ICA?"
As the leader asked a question with a smile, the man fell silent; he hadn't considered such a thing.
Seeing this, the middle-aged man sighed and continued:
"They didn't even cover their faces, and their clothes were even uniforms... Even the Gaul, whose country was destroyed, knew not to wear such a conspicuous color as red on the battlefield, and Victoria was the first to know this... But do you know why the ICA's chief was wearing a conspicuous red uniform?"
"... Legend has it that the ICA Ghost Assassin's claim to fame was the Sankta girl who fought and won an overwhelming victory against the Gray Hats in Victoria... and she was wearing red."
Nodding, the leader seemed under immense pressure. After smoking most of his cigarette in one go, he let the embers fall off, tossing the butt on the ground as if it were an outlet for his frustration, then stomping on it forcefully. It was as if this action could give them a slight respite from their legendary achievements.
"Whether it's false intelligence spread by the ICA to glorify that woman, or whether there really is such a thing as an ICA Red Shirt... If we want to become a legitimate organization, if we want to truly replace the ICA and take over this responsibility, we can't act recklessly... Even the ICA wouldn't casually fire at a neutral location like the Continental Hotel. If you manage to plant the bomb there, our organization will be completely ruined, and we can forget about the consequences... If the people below still have objections, then ask them... Are they nobody, or are they looking to make a name for themselves?"
"... I understand... but, after all, that was the first time we officially observed someone in red... at least we should create a portrait of her..."
"Did you create this so that the people below would see it and run away? You're just doing unnecessary things..."
As the leader and his four bodyguards turned and left, the man watched his superior depart, a strange light gleaming in his eyes.
On the wide, six-lane road of Laisenton's new town, a bright red sports car smoothly navigated the green light and turned... Amid Typhon's cheerful, quiet cheers, Nana casually remarked while looking at her phone's navigation:
"When I first saw those people, I thought there was going to be a fight. Just to be safe, I checked the car, and surprisingly, I didn't find any bombs or anything... What a pity, otherwise I could have called the Hotel security to deal with them."
"Those people just now? Were they enemies?!"
"Probably. The hostility is obvious. After all, we're wearing uniforms with Lycoris's emblem. Even if they haven't seen the red-clad chief's version, they should recognize your ordinary Lycoris uniform."
Listening to Nana's explanation, Typhon touched the clothing he was wearing, which felt completely different from the bodysuit, and hesitated before saying:
"When hunting, wearing clothing that would alert the prey is not an option... Shouldn't we use camouflage?"
"No, we specifically need informants, we need to be eye-catching, we need to crush the delusions of these arrogant fools in a fair and square way... That's probably what my agent would say... Otherwise, letting the prey disappear silently is more in line with my style."
Although Nana said that, Typhon, who had no idea what kind of person Nana was and only knew that Nana could kill things he couldn't kill, didn't care about such questions at all. The voluptuous Sarkaz girl just played with the car radio, swung her legs, and then asked about their destination.
Where are we going now?
"The hospital... the agent is conducting final checks on our guide..."
"Hospitals are places where shamans treat the wounded, right? Is she alright?"
"... If you're so capable, go ahead and say that to Kal'tsit... Forget it, if I did, she'd probably hang me from the bridge... This world isn't just about shamans healing. As for our guide, all I know is that she's also Lycoris, and a more senior Blue-Clad Elite than you. That's all I know."
"Although, I've only been Lycoris for a few hours... aren't any random person more elite than me?"
"... You fucking are a genius... Alright, enough chit-chat, we're here."
She parked the car smoothly in the hospital's parking space. On the way, Nana took advantage of the new car's high performance to drive around to many places, making sure no one was following her before arriving at the hospital.