落とし穴外伝：模型とは浪漫である
Dungeon Side Story: Models are Romance
Models are romance.
A model is a molded form, an imitation and materialization of "something."
Excerpt from Wikipedia.
There are various types of models...
- Academic models: Primarily for understanding, used in learning or museums.
Examples: Globes, fossils, etc.
- Religious models: Primarily spiritual models meant to be owned by imitating existing objects.
Examples: Dolls, effigies of religious deities, etc.
- Industrial models: Created to confirm shapes, structures, and functions before developing new products.
Examples: Mock-ups, clay models, molds, etc.
Well, there are many, but for us Japanese children, the ones we encounter most often are...
- Hobby models: These can be broadly classified into three categories.
First, those enjoyed primarily for the process of creation and the sense of accomplishment upon completion. "Plastic models," "solid models," "garage kits," "paper crafts."
Second, those enjoyed primarily for collecting and viewing. "Miniature cars," "candy toys," "figures."
Third, those enjoyed by making them move using motors or engines. "Model trains," "radio-controlled cars," "model airplanes."
And these hobby models come in two types: those you assemble yourself and those that are pre-assembled.
Both have their merits, and neither is inherently better or worse.
That said, the act of building stimulates one's creative drive, which is why we prefer the type you build yourself.
Well, regardless of the classification, models are things that tickle one's curiosity.
Perhaps they are the shapes of people's futures.
Side: Yuki
I am currently feeling a level of excitement I have never felt before.
Why?
The answer is the model shop spreading out before me.
Yes, a model shop.
Toy stores might be the dreams of small children, but a model shop is the dream of a true connoisseur.
It is an irresistible place, especially for those who love robots, tanks, and machinery.
A dream-like place piled high with plastic models that one could never finish building.
Because we cannot get our hands on the real things, these are the only items we can build and modify.
And I have built this place.
I secured a proper budget for it.
By the way, I am not the only one moved by this...
"Whoa, isn't the scale about the size of a home center?"
"Yeah, it’s not just plastic models. They have RC cars, puzzles, and articulated figures, too. And there’s no such thing as 'out of stock' here."
"What on earth..."
Taiki-kun is trembling at my words.
I don't blame him.
Nowadays, popular plastic models are nowhere to be found online due to domestic demand and the rampant scalpers.
In other words, they don't show up on the internet.
We can't exactly buy them directly from scalpers.
I had told Luna to somehow replicate them...
"Hey, what are you talking about? That would mean I have to go to the site and see the real thing, right? You want me to use a goddess for that?"
She said something ridiculous like that.
Originally, one of the conditions for me coming here was that I could order items from Earth.
I thought it was a pathetic ability if she had to see the real thing to replicate it.
"It can't be helped. I collect data via the internet. It's easier that way."
"Then can't you infiltrate the manufacturer via the internet?"
"Ah."
It felt like the peak of goddess-level stupidity.
Besides, there are some retro machines where the blueprints are gone, so I wondered how she managed to provide those.
"Oh, for those, I collect the real things. They were mass-produced, right?"
Is that how it works?
I thought, but it seems my plan worked out, and now we can get new plastic models as long as the information is up on the internet, without having to go to a store.
And that includes the tools needed to build them, all in a large home center.
"Wonderful. Ah, truly wonderful."
Taizo-san’s eyes are sparkling like a child’s.
Taizo-san is, after all, a technician from World War II.
When it comes to plastic models of tanks and battleships, he has no equal.
"Oh, this is nice. There’s no charge for this, right?"
Souta-san asks.
"It doesn't cost anything. After all, the only users are us, our inner circle, and more importantly, this is covered by expenses. This is necessary for technical development."
"You certainly have a way with words."
Souta-san smiles as he says that.
Ah, that’s right.
This large model shop was built with the backing of people with strong opinions on technology, centered around me, including Narjia-san, Comet, Zargis, Firia, Taizo-san, and Taiki-kun.
Of course, it’s not a lie.
Among the models are countless vehicles operating on Earth and robots from the future.
Every single one is worth building.
However...
"Hey, you guys over there."
I call out to the group already inside the shop, browsing the shelves.
"What?"
There are Narjia-san, Comet, Firia, and Zargis, and in their carts are five boxes of the exact same model.
Moreover, they’ve already picked out ten different types, and fifty boxes are piled high in their carts.
"Limit it to one each."
"What!?"
Everyone looks at me with expressions of disbelief.
"W-w-what are you saying, Yuki-san? Plastic models have many uses: one for a straight build, one for modification, one for painting, one for technical verification, one for display, one for storage, one for proselytizing... we’ve narrowed it down to five!"
Narjia-san says this as their representative, and everyone nods in agreement.
No, no, I thought three was the standard, but there were more uses than I imagined.
"No, no, we’re the only ones in this model shop, right? So there’s no worry about them running out..."
"Brother, there are no more of the new Aerial and Suletta models, are there?"
"What!?"
No, I’m sure I stocked plenty.
Twenty of them... and then I realized.
Everyone here has piled up five of the new models Firia mentioned.
"You can replenish them, right? So there’s no need to get so worked up!"
Comet tries to push her cart out, but I stop her.
"Replenishing takes manual labor. They don't just magically reappear. Besides, this is a private space for our inner circle. There’s no risk of them disappearing, so just take one, okay?"
"I refuse! We stocked these out of necessity, just as Narjia said! I won't hand over my treasures!"
Comet desperately shields the plastic models in her cart.
"In the first place, where do you intend to put them when you take them home?"
"Eh? The lab, or my house."
"Are you trying to clutter up Hifie and Taizo-san’s house?"
I say this and look at Taizo-san...
"Ah, as expected, Hifie-san would get angry at that amount, Comet-dono."
"Nngh."
"Since you can build and display them here, wouldn't one be enough?"
I try to suppress Comet, but...
"I live alone, so I have no such concerns."
Zargis tries to walk past Comet, but I’m not kind enough to let that slide.
"Stop. You have work to do. They’ll just end up as 'backlog' anyway. Leave the goods."
"That’s Yuki’s fault for giving me so much work. That’s why I need these models for peace of mind."
"That’s right! Tell him more!"
"Brother, please!"
Narjia-san and Firia also support Zargis’s argument.
Just as I’m thinking this is becoming a hassle...
"Sigh, just as I expected. You’re mixing public and private matters. Eris."
"Yes. If you do not accept Yuki-san’s advice, I will judge that you are becoming degenerate and dispose of this model shop. What will you do?"
"We’re sorry!"
At the words of Seraria and Eris, who suddenly appeared, everyone prostrated themselves.
Having heaven destroyed would be nothing short of a tragedy.
"Sigh, I understand how you feel, but keep it to one each in moderation. Now, as for me..."
I’m thinking about taking home the ten models I’ve been eyeing, but...
"You are also limited to a maximum of three. You are forbidden from taking more until you finish building them."
"What!?"
"There’s no point in taking so many if you don't build them, right?"
"Nngh."
And so, I, too, end up being restricted.
Well, I suppose that’s why plastic models end up as a backlog—because there’s never enough time.
There are so many reasons to buy plastic models.
I beg you, please mass-produce them.