第８３４堀：その力は何のために (Part2)
"Well, let’s set aside the finer points of improving firearm management for now. The bottom line is that, for the reasons I mentioned, visual oversight is an absolute necessity."
"I understand. That makes sense."
"To start, I’ll show you the sections I need Vilia and Hiiro to inspect. Truth be told, the areas I want you to cover are restricted—only high-ranking officers and the personnel assigned to those specific posts are permitted entry."
"We keep it that way to maintain operational security and prevent sabotage. That’s exactly why Dressa asked Vilia and Hiiro to take on this job."
"With our current shift rotations, the workload is simply too heavy for us and the goblin maintenance crews to handle alone."
"It would be ideal if the slimes could handle the public-facing work, but regardless, a final verification by senior officers is mandatory."
I nodded, finally understanding the logic behind their request. I couldn't help but think that Dressa-nee could have just been straightforward about that from the start.
As we talked, we arrived at the primary weapons vault.
The aircraft carrier *Lilishe* is segmented into various armories: the Personnel Primary Armory, the Personnel Secondary Armory, and the Ship-Mounted Third Special Weapons Vault. Beyond these, there are countless other storage facilities—fuel depots, maintenance supply lockers, food stores, and more.
My brother once explained that the reason for such granular compartmentalization is twofold: the sheer scale of the carrier itself, and the need to ensure that if one storage area takes a direct hit, the entire supply chain isn't wiped out in a single stroke.
While I was lost in thought, the two of them began detailing the security protocols of the vault.
"Well, you’re likely already aware, but there’s a card reader here that also functions as a magical signature scanner..."
As Aetheri-nee spoke, she swiped her card through the reader beside the door. With a sharp hiss, the heavy steel barrier slid open. Inside, a secondary iron grate stood as a further deterrent, with the firearms stored deep within.
"And inside that, there’s yet another door. It requires authentication from a second, different individual to unlock. It’s physically impossible for one person to remove anything on their own."
"It’s to prevent internal corruption. That’s how powerful and dangerous these weapons truly are..."
Comet-nee sounded strangely melancholic as she said this. Vilia-nee seemed to pick up on it, too.
"Comet-san? Is something wrong?"
"Oh, no—it’s just... I was thinking about how you and Vilia are the ones who will be wielding these weapons."
"What’s wrong? You’re acting strange, Comet-nee."
"You’re far too easy to read. It’s a wonder Difes and the others didn’t catch on back then."
"Ahaha, well, I was pulling a few strings behind the scenes at the time. But tell me, Vilia, Hiiro—for what purpose will you use these weapons, and that power?"
Hiiro and the others didn't fully grasp the nuance of their conversation, but they knew exactly why they would use this power.
"I will use it for my brother, for my sisters, and for everyone. I’ve spent my whole life being the one protected, and I want that to change."
"Hiiro feels the same. This time, it’s Hiiro’s turn to protect everyone—to protect Brother and Comet-nee and the rest of you."
Vilia-nee and Hiiro answered without a moment’s hesitation. That was it—they were growing stronger specifically to protect my brother and everyone else.
"I see. Everyone has something they want to protect. It’s only natural."
Comet-nee nodded at their answer with a faint, sorrowful smile.
"I didn't even understand that much back then. At the time, I thought it was enough just to protect them."
"Well, those kinds of mistakes happen. Though, I suppose the scale of yours was a bit different."
"That’s hardly a comfort."
"You can’t change the past, no matter how much you dwell on it. Besides, to deny the current situation would be a mistake in its own right, wouldn't it?"
When Aetheri-nee said this, Comet-nee nodded.
"You’re right. You’re absolutely right. My job now is to support Vilia and the others here. I must ensure I never lose sight of why I conduct my research and why I create these tools in the first place."
"?"
I still didn't quite understand what Comet-nee was talking about. But unlike earlier, she seemed to have regained her spark.
"Alright then! I’ll explain the next location. Let’s move."
With that, Comet-nee marched ahead.
"It’s good to see her looking energetic again, isn't it?"
"It really is."
"Indeed. It’s just like Comet to bounce back."
And so, Hiiro and the others continued their inspection of the carrier’s facilities.
"Wait, what about our break?"
"Keep working a little longer."
"Aww..."
It seemed Hiiro’s break was still a long way off.
Thus, the comet finds her own answer. And the newborn stars strive to shine as brightly as they can. That is simply how life goes. You struggle on your own, you resolve things on your own, and in doing so, you grow.
With that said, I’m going to go play some zombie games on April 26th, praying that my novels continue to multiply on their own!