第１９４０堀：試験の為の試験 (Part2)
"It’s nothing particularly strange. It’s well within the budget, and there’s no telling when something might break during testing. Since it’s unclear whether the final product will even be completed, having spares on hand is only natural, isn't it? Right, Yuki?"
"……I suppose you're right. Having backups is certainly a relief."
Yuki-san accepts Agil’s explanation immediately.
Indeed, since this is the first time we’re building such weaponry and vehicles, we have no way of knowing what kind of defects might arise. Designing them for smooth maintenance and repair is a given, but preparing spare parts and substitute vessels is simply common sense.
Unlike that robot anime I once saw, where the prototype is nearly destroyed and they’re forced to operate with only "Gundam Unit 2," leaving the mechanics pale-faced and struggling with abysmal maintainability—well, that’s a nightmare I’d rather avoid.
Watching the construction of this land battleship, I finally understand why Yuki-san said he prefers mass-produced models. The environment in that anime—at least regarding the ship’s upkeep—was truly the worst. The parts were overwhelmingly scarce, and the operational burden was a logistical disaster. While there is a certain romantic allure to a "one-off" masterpiece, reality is a different beast.
"So, provided there are no significant issues during this preliminary testing, we’ll complete the second and third ships and begin gathering data. Unfortunately, it won't be a 'one-of-a-kind' ship like in the anime."
"That’s fair. Reality is like that, Firia. So, does that mean there’s someone coming to assist with the preliminary testing starting today?"
"Yes, that’s exactly it."
That is, provided Yuki-san and his group have the personnel to spare.
"Yuki. Since I’m here, why don’t I handle that side of things? Given the current situation, you can’t exactly pull the members managing the front lines or those involved in the administration of Weed, can you?"
"That... is true."
It’s just as Agil says. The people of Weed are currently swamped, with key figures tied up in the New Continent, internal administration, and diplomacy. That’s precisely why having Agil join the development team now is such a blessing.
"Alright. Let’s have Yuyui, whom you mentioned earlier, dispatched here. She can handle surveillance and inspection duties as well."
"Eh!?"
Yuki-san certainly made a bold move. Since Agil is a researcher, he’s tied down here, and if Yuki-san were to send someone back to their side for work, there’s really only Orelia and her group left.
"U-um, Yuki-sama. I have my duties..."
"I know. Just for the duration of the land battleship’s development, your work is here. Primarily, you’re based in Glass Port Town, right?"
"Ah, yes. That is true, but..."
"It can't be helped. When you're needed there, leave it to Ryushi. She isn't here right now, but she has a fair amount of freedom, and above all, she’s a doctor-in-training."
"I see. Having someone who can contact Rurua-san immediately is certainly helpful. Her medical knowledge should be sufficient as well."
I’ve met Ryushi-san before, and I have every confidence that she’ll handle things efficiently.
"No, as far as the shipyard’s medical needs go, I’ll leave that to the doctor already employed here. I have no complaints about the current staffing."
"Oh, I didn't mean to suggest replacing Ryushi-san or anything like that. But it’s always good to have more people who can respond in an emergency. Whenever we get hurt, we usually just rely on recovery magic or potions, and sometimes that leads to subpar treatment."
If you don't treat burns properly, they leave scars, after all.
"Ah, I see. I suppose relying on a single doctor is tough. Though, I haven't heard any reports of injuries?"
"There haven't been any major injuries so far. But since we’re doing blacksmithing, minor burns and bruises are just a part of life."
That’s only natural when you’re dealing with smithing and metallurgy.
"Fair enough. That makes sense. Right, I understand your requirements. I’ll handle the paperwork later. Now, could you show me the data on the land battleship currently undergoing testing?"
"Yes! Leave it to me!"
This is where the real work begins.
Now, the madness begins to stir.
Armed with theory, we shall continue to build, unstoppable by any force.
After all, conducting a test of a test is only the logical thing to do!