The third time was this [Erudite] advancement quest (continued)

Gion beckoned to a female soldier training among the crowd, signaling for her to come over.

"Akara, where is Instructor Zephyr right now?"

The young soldier named Akara first stood straight and gave a respectful Marine salute, then reported the chief instructor's location.

Just then, Adrian suddenly spoke.

"Soldier, could I borrow your gun?"

"Adrian! What are you planning to do?"

Gion frowned slightly, her tone growing urgent. Lier Akara was one of the prospective adjutants she currently had her eye on. She was skilled in navigation and no slouch in combat, either. Gion couldn't let her fall into White Ghost's clutches!

"I just suddenly felt a little nostalgic for gunpowder weapons."

Adrian offered a brief explanation.

The sight of the Marine recruits training on the island inexplicably reminded him of the time he had spent training on the World Government's agent island when he first arrived.

I wonder how Kumadori Yamamba, that old woman with the awful voice, is doing now. And Muscle Boy Dawson—is he even still alive...? Right, what was the name of the instructor who taught us marksmanship?

Lier Akara glanced hesitantly at Gion. After receiving a nod, she took the long gun off her back and presented it with both hands.

Adrian gently stroked the barrel of the long flintlock, a flicker of reminiscence passing through his eyes. Relying entirely on instinct, he fired a bullet at a nearby target.

Bang!

A puff of white gun smoke rose from the muzzle as the bullet tore through the air, covering the distance in an instant.

Gion glanced at the target.

Hmm?

She glanced again.

A miss?

And here I thought you could succeed at anything!

The beautiful rear admiral couldn't help smiling.

Lier Akara even lowered her head, her shoulders trembling slightly as she struggled not