127: Mid-race

Seven hours have passed since the start of the 16-hour endurance race of the Niliyanipoz Asteroid Belt Cup, Fighter Class.

According to Vilijaniara's prediction, it's about time to act.

"Joharis. Move 'Sexy MiAzuma' out of the viewing line. Then, slowly turn around as naturally as possible, so you can survey all directions."

"Got it."

Thus, following Vilijani's instructions, 'Sexy MiAzuma' gradually moves out of the line of sight from the spectators' fleet and drifts away slowly.

The race has already split into the leading group and the trailing group, and this maneuver coincides perfectly with the moment when No. 4 Koma Kozato Sho crashed—making it unlikely anyone would question the move.

Incidentally, the leader remains No. 1 Fast Transe.

The combination of the fighter's speed within regulation limits, the pilot's exceptional skill, and swift pit support has allowed it to steadily extend its lead, though not absolutely so.

However, according to Vilijanira and the others, this is exactly the expected outcome.

I didn’t know much about fighter jet racing, but it seems the endurance race this year was expected to be dominated by Fastestranz from the start.

And since no accidents have occurred so far, this outcome is perfectly natural, according to them.

Also, incidentally, the team whose pilot was abruptly rejected when trying to approach Vilijanira at the tea party in the Flaretanbo system was Team 13 Yamayamaraku.

I remembered my own existence when I saw Vilijanira's reaction just now on the pit-in monitor.

Team 13 Yamayamaraku, which was just like a lower-tier version of Fastestranse, is currently leading the following group—but they're already being caught up by the last remaining aircraft.

They lost one due to a drop-out, and two more were lost in a crash about an hour ago.

It's kind of like a lesser version of Fastestranse, really.

It means the pilot lacks the skill to navigate through interference, despite having speed.

"CRASH! No time to react to the sudden asteroid appearing at position 13 Yamayamaraku—collision! With no remaining units, pilot 13 Yamayamaraku is out of the race!!"

Just when I thought that was the end...

Once a pilot retires, their ranking is determined by the distance they've covered so far.

Well... since there are other teams that have already retired... it's 27th place.

Well, this race was always known to be extremely difficult, and I've heard that just finishing is enough to place in the top 10, so considering that, this is certainly a solid performance.

"Got it. Joharis, the ship is still there."

"I know. We can't let them realize we've spotted it."

It seems Virijianira has successfully found what she was looking for.

After completing its turn, *Sexy MiAzuma* slowly begins to move away from the asteroid belt, heading in the direction previously indicated by Virijianira.

"Satra."

"Wait a moment. We're going there now."

Then, Virijianira shows me the screen of her information terminal.

The map displayed there shows the entire Nerialni Potts system, marked with specific coordinates.

It seems something significant lies there.

So I quickly redirect the main body toward that location.

"Then? The fact that it's now, at this precise moment, means we're dealing with a suspicious ship plotting sabotage against the race, correct?"

"That's my assessment. For now, however, please refrain from taking any action—just observe and monitor its movements from within."

"Why?"

From the main body's perspective, the vessel came into view.

Judging by appearance alone... it seems to be a typical cargo ship.

Though it's a somewhat deep blue in color, it's not so dark as to be questionable.

"One thing is, we can't be certain the ship is actually involved in sabotage."

"I suppose that's true."

There's no marking indicating its affiliation.

It does appear slightly worn.

Hmm, after the mark was erased, it's reasonable to assume it's a used vessel recently purchased privately.

"And even if we're truly involved, I don't know whether we'll actually carry it out here."

"That's certainly true."

Then let's stick our heads inside.

The reactor... it feels like someone's been tampering with it in various ways.

For now, it seems there are slightly more pipes than usual.

"My information terminal is receiving reports of arrests and surveillance targeting individuals attempting to interfere, from the security forces, imperial army, and intelligence units of the Neliannipotts system, but there's no data regarding that ship. If that's the case, depending on how events unfold, they might not be engaging in sabotage—but could instead be returning to their base."

"That's why we should wait until they move. That's what you're saying, right?"

"That's exactly it. We don't need to forcibly stop them using Sata's power—waiting until the damage is certain is enough."

"……"

The cargo... is a disaster.

"Sata?"

"Yeah, uh. The cargo ship in question—it's carrying a massive amount of explosives. And there's no sign of any safety measures or devices to prevent detonation... in fact, I'd bet it's been rigged to channel energy from the reactor and trigger a massive explosion."

"...Where could those explosives have come from...?"

"Hahaha... Yeah, we're completely screwed."

That much was certain.

Whether or not they were connected to whoever was attacking the Niliani Potts system was unclear, but anyone who'd done something suspicious could be sunk without a single complaint.

Still, one thought crossed my mind.

"Please, just go back to your base."

"You're absolutely right. Ah, no need to overthink the capture. Let's prioritize safety."

"Depending on the type of explosives, the damage could be catastrophic..."

The guy who arranged this cargo ship wasn't someone to be taken lightly.

We all thought the same thing.

Yamayamara = Yamayama = Outfall