落とし穴１５４堀：空へ (Part2)
"Indeed. However, since this Weed Birdman Contest will also serve as a test run, we’ll be excluding general participants for now."
"That’s for the best. If it’s just us, Yuki-san, and people Taizo-san knows, no one is going to die even if they crash."
As Taiki-kun pointed out, considering the risk of accidents, it’s safer to keep it within our inner circle first. General participation will have to wait until after this trial run. If we were to have casualties among the general public during our first attempt, it would jeopardize any future events.
"That goes without saying. Though, there’s also the question of whether anyone other than us would even want to participate in a Birdman Contest."
"We won't know if we can gather participants until we talk to everyone."
"I don't think that’s something to worry about, though. Those guys would participate without a second thought. Well, as Taiki-kun said, the important thing is to go talk to them directly."
"Those guys? Ah, them. In that case, the probability is high."
"Eh? Taizo-san, you already know who he means?"
Taiki-kun didn't seem to have a clue, but Taizo-san caught on immediately. Without needing further explanation from me, we headed toward a certain location...
"Ah. If it’s here, there are definitely people who can build a human-powered aircraft."
"Right? Honestly, besides them, I doubt anyone else can properly design a human-powered plane."
"Indeed. Aircraft are incredibly delicate things. If there’s a deviation of even a few millimeters, let alone centimeters, they won't fly properly. They are the only ones who truly understand that."
While we discussed this, we arrived at the Magic Research Institute. It’s the facility where we manage Weed’s latest technology and search for information and solutions regarding the magic depletion phenomenon.
And the person who manages this place is...
*Ding-dong.*
When I rang the chime, the person who appeared was...
"...And why are you bothering to ring the chime? You have keycards, don't you?"
It was Zargis, the director of the facility and the one who keeps the research fanatics in line.
"Well, I brought a new topic to the table, so I rang the chime."
"Please go home."
No sooner had he said that than Zargis tried to slam the door shut, but I immediately wedged my foot into the gap to stop it.
"Hey, what are you trying to close the door for?"
"Whatever this is, it’s clearly a completely different matter, isn't it? And not just Yuki, but Taizo-dono and Taiki are here too. It’s obvious you’ve come for something unrelated to magic research."
Oh, what a brilliant deduction. As expected of someone I’ve known for so long.
"You’re enjoying this too, aren't you?"
"I won't deny it, but with the current state of affairs, my work here is incredibly busy. Could you let me focus?"
*Grrr...* A battle ensued between Zargis trying to close the door and me trying to push it open. Then...
"Zargis-dono, that is certainly true, but wouldn't you like to try flying through the sky with your own power?"
"The sky? We have already established aviation technology through both magic and science, have we not?"
It seems he’s willing to listen if it’s Taizo-san speaking. I stepped back from the door and watched the two of them talk.
"That’s not what I mean. I’m talking about designing an aircraft from scratch and flying it yourself. Wouldn't you like to try that?"
"...That is intriguing. Designing it myself, you say?"
"Yes. It’s true that flight technology is already established. But isn't that boring for you, Zargis-dono? Riding on the coattails of other engineers. It’s not a bad thing, but haven't you wanted to build something from the ground up?"
"That is true. Developing new technology yourself—that is the dream of us engineers and researchers."
"Exactly. So, why not explore a new way to fly? Think of it as a breather. Design it simply and see if it takes to the sky. The only power source is human effort. No magic or anything of the sort."
"Flying purely through aerodynamics, then... Hmmm."
Oh, Taizo-san’s persuasion seems to be swaying him quite a bit. Just as I thought he needed one more push...
"That sounds like an interesting conversation. Count me in! Aircraft design! That sounds great, doesn't it?"
"Indeed. If it’s a human-powered aircraft, the design will likely be focused on gliding, but I’m looking forward to it."
"Whoa!?"
Behind Zargis, Comet and Narjia-san poked their heads out. It seems they had been listening and were eager to participate.
"Well, for now, I’ll leave you the participation requirements and the aircraft restrictions. Think it over."
"Understood. I will consider—"
"Don't be an idiot, Zargis. Why would you need to 'consider' something this interesting?"
"We’re definitely participating! Definitely! Wait, we need to form a team? Hmm..."
I wonder if they’ll form one big team or split up into rival factions. It’s going to be fun to watch.
And so, the big summer event: the Birdman Contest! Everyone has thought about wanting to participate in something like this at least once, right? We’re actually doing it! Who will fly the farthest?