落とし穴１５８堀：先へ (Part1)
Pitfall 158: Moving Forward
Side: Yuki
The sun had long since set, and the veil of night had fallen, but this particular area was buzzing with excitement.
Yes, this was the after-party for the first-ever Weed Birdman Contest.
The heat of those who took to the skies had yet to cool.
The thrill of flight experienced during the day had everyone—participants and spectators alike—caught up in the fervor, their conversations lively and animated.
In one corner of the venue, the "crystals of our souls"—the machines that had crashed and been reduced to scrap—had been dutifully recovered and lined up neatly.
Spectators were gathered there, gazing at the wreckage with immense curiosity.
Incidentally, models of all the machines that participated in the Birdman Contest were being sold at the venue’s stalls.
Ratz had rounded up the fairies and dwarves, having them churn them out in a hurry.
They couldn't quite manage fancy packaging, so they had to settle for printed labels this time, but the sales were incredible. Once the machines had actually taken flight during the main event, the stock had sold out in the blink of an eye.
Ratz must be struggling to contain her laughter. A new path for business had been carved out, after all.
Besides, the fact that a model-building hobby had taken root in Weed was a good thing for me, too.
...It would eventually serve as a foothold for spreading Gunpla.
But that aside, what mattered now was celebrating each other's hard work.
I grabbed a drink and headed over to where Taiki was standing.
"Man, that was a shame."
Unlike the Lancer and Heiden teams, Taiki’s "Red Blaster" hadn't crashed immediately. However, since it was built through self-study, it seemed to have significant structural imbalances; unfortunately, it couldn't fly straight, circling the same spot before eventually plummeting.
Should I start recording flight duration next time?
No, wait—even if it stays in the air, if it doesn't move forward as an airplane, does that really count?
As I was thinking this, Taiki gave a wry smile.
"Yeah, it really was. But honestly, I didn't think it would fly at all, so just getting it off the ground was a huge achievement."
"For a first attempt, it was excellent work. Tell me, Taiki, why don't you put some effort into airplane design from here on out? I’ll even provide the engines."
Taizo-san didn't mock him for the spinning crash; instead, he praised the flight and began to wax poetic about future aircraft development.
...Actually, Taizo-san, you’re casually bringing up aircraft development to the ruler of a nation.
That’s usually a state-level project, you know.
I suppose he figures it’s too risky to do it in his own country...
"That sounds wonderful. If it’s a design by Taiki-sama, I’ll lend my strength as well. It would be good to incorporate magical propulsion, too."
Zargis was also eager to offer his cooperation.
"Cooperation" sounded nice, but it really meant he wanted to leave all the design work to Taiki.
Well, he’d certainly help with enthusiasm, but since he wouldn't be the lead, he wouldn't be held responsible—which meant he could spout whatever ideas he wanted without consequence.
"Haha, I'll keep that in mind if the time comes. But weren't Taizo-san and Zargis flying much better than me? Wouldn't it be better to develop your own rather than helping me?"
Taiki laughed off the offer and asked the obvious question.
He was right. Taizo-san and Zargis could surely build something faster than Taiki could.
As the heads of the organization, neither Hifey nor I would complain about the development of flying machines. We were well aware of their utility.
The question was, what was the point of building them together?
"Taiki-kun’s point is valid. However, it would be difficult to exchange ideas that way. What we are aiming for is the progress of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance."
"Indeed. No single country should stand out too far. Especially regarding technology—it could become a cause for conflict. You understand that well, don't you, Yuki?"
"Ah, so that’s what you were thinking about."
I see. It wasn't just about dumping the workload on someone else.
Certainly, as they said, if a technological arms race were to break out, there would be those who forge ahead and those who are left in the dust.
If that gap widens, it often becomes a catalyst for war.
That said, it’s also been proven that war causes technology to advance by leaps and bounds, so I do wonder about that for a second—but ultimately, nothing is worth the cost of human life.
"That is not all. If we develop them jointly, experts from various countries will gather to exchange opinions and collaborate. That would be a very meaningful endeavor."
"Taizo-dono is correct. Even now, many technicians from various countries are gathered in Weed. That is the current trend. However, we cannot build an airfield in Weed, so we thought that Ranks, which Taiki-dono governs, would be ideal."
"Oh, right. Weed is inside a dungeon. I completely forgot."
"I forgot, too. But building a flight test site on the surface is also..."
Simply leveling the land would be easy with my Dungeon Master skills.
But the real challenge is that it would require diverting even more personnel.
So, the plan is to move the stage to Ranks.
"In addition, aside from gliders, if we are to build full-scale airplanes, we must consider noise and the like. Not to mention the potential damage if a takeoff or landing goes wrong."
"Ah... in that case, Weed really isn't suitable."
There are many dignitaries from various countries here, and the traffic outside is heavy.
If a plane were to crash in a place like that, the damage would be catastrophic.
That’s why they chose Ranks.
Since the only place with a high concentration of people right now is the royal capital, it’s the perfect spot to build an experimental facility.
"Man... I understand the logic. But it sounds like you're saying it's fine if it crashes in Ranks."
"Now, now, don't glare like that, Taiki-kun. Just being chosen as an airplane test site will make you the center of attention for every nation. Taking on that risk shows you're willing to accept the challenge, which will make a name for you."
"Exactly. Weed would only invite resentment if we tried to make a name for ourselves, but if Taiki-dono takes it on, everyone will be convinced, as expected of a hero from another world."
"Mmm-hmm..."
Taizo-san and Zargis were piling on the logical arguments as if they were reading from a script.
If I left them alone, this was going to turn into a late-night infomercial, so I decided to put a stop to it.
"Taizo-san, Zargis, I understand your sentiment, but let's discuss this later when things have calmed down. Other countries are watching, too. We can't just decide this on our own right here."
"Hmm. You have a point."
"Well, I suppose that’s true."
"Besides, this is the after-party for the successful Birdman Contest. Let’s enjoy ourselves. Once again, cheers!"