落とし穴１５８堀：先へ (Part2)
"Cheers!"
As I called out, not only Taizo and his group but everyone around us joined in the toast. Amidst the lively atmosphere, Narjia and Comet stumbled out, looking completely unsteady on their feet.
"This time... we lost... but next time... we'll win..."
"That's right... don't think you can keep winning forever..."
It was no use; they were completely plastered. For the record, Narjia had placed fourth, and Comet fifth. As for us, Taizo took second, Zargis third, I came in sixth, and Taiki-kun finished eighth. Meanwhile, Mauve and his group were seventh, with the Lancer and Haiden teams tied for ninth.
That left the question of who had taken first place...
"Why... did we lose to a paper airplane..."
"It's not fair that Aslin and the others are so small..."
Yes, the very reason they were drinking their sorrows away was that the winners of this contest were none other than the "Let's Fly" team—a group of little ones led by Aslin.
As their drunken complaints revealed, the aircraft they had built was literally a giant version of a paper airplane. It was simple: Aslin rode on top, with a control stick that allowed for minor adjustments to the wings. Yet, its flight distance was phenomenal, reaching two hundred meters. It really drove home the fact that weight reduction is the greatest challenge in flight.
"Well, I'll be putting some restrictions in place for the next tournament, so don't worry."
If I didn't, these people might start kidnapping children from the school to act as their pilots.
"Eh!? Big Brother, does that mean we're banned from participating next year?"
"That's terrible!"
"I don't think that's quite right, is it?"
"Exactly. That's not fair."
"...Big Brother. Is it really a no-go?"
"Are Hiiro and the others not allowed to fly?"
Aslin and the others raised their voices in protest at my words. Naturally, I wouldn't do anything so unreasonable.
"I'm not banning anyone. I just realized there's a physical advantage and disadvantage involved, so from next time, your rivals will be children of your own size—everyone from the school."
"Oh!? So we'll be making airplanes with everyone else next time?"
"Everyone will be your rival. Firia, Labyris, Dressa, Vilia, and Hiiro might all split up and compete against each other."
"That sounds like fun!"
If there’s an inherent advantage or disadvantage between adults and children, I’ll just divide the ranks. Usually, you’d separate them because adults have more experience, but in this case, it was a bizarre situation where the heavier adults were at a disadvantage.
"My, so we'll be enemies? I can't really imagine that. I think I'll join someone's team."
"Indeed. I suspect I'll be supporting someone as well."
"Hmm, maybe I'll start my own team?"
"Hiiro wants to build her own plane too!"
It’s great to see them so motivated. Of course, building an airplane isn't easy, so I imagine there will be some joint development projects here and there. But more than anything, it’s wonderful to see their desire to learn grow.
Oh, that reminds me.
"Taizo-san, how was it? This Birdman Contest I started on a whim?"
"Hm? Ah, well. It was truly enjoyable. This is it. This is why I chose this path."
When Taizo-san answered, the other technicians listening nearby nodded in agreement.
"Yes. Exactly. I started my research because I couldn't get enough of this excitement."
"That's right. For us, this thrill was the starting point."
"Indeed. Learning something new, seeing the results—that joy is what brought us this far."
Zargis, Narjia, and Comet all wore smiles that looked genuinely happy. It wasn't just them, either. Everyone involved in the development, and even the spectators here, were people gathered by a love for creation and the exploration of the unknown.
I wonder how this world will develop from here on out.
...I just hope it doesn't develop in a strange direction.
The drive to create, the thirst to explore the unknown—it all starts with curiosity, understanding, and the joy of discovery! Now, everyone, go out and challenge yourselves!
Let's all write stories freely!
With that said, we now return to the main story.