157: Observing the Traditional Rifle Race

"Today, I'll be watching the Traditional Rifle Race at Station 6 of the Free-Form Tactical Exercise Field. This observation was originally requested by the intelligence unit of the Nelianipotz Star System. Although the observation has become optional following recent events involving Inakaini, I've decided to go ahead and attend, since I'm already here."

"Sixth training facility in free-form mode... I see, this is it. Just like the fifth, it's a training ground that can be rearranged at will."

"What I'm really curious about is the event itself, not the location. What exactly is this old-style rifle race?"

With Vilijaniira's declaration, we began moving forward.

As usual today, the surface was bustling with people—some watching various competitions, others welcoming and entertaining the spectators.

Meanwhile, in the back alleys, though not as intense as two days ago, there seemed to be a continuous series of arrests. To avoid detection by the residents on the surface, they maintained quiet order—keeping things calm, yet visibly active—creating a unique kind of bustling energy.

"Memo"

"Then I'll explain. Simply put, the traditional rifle race is a competition where participants assemble the prototype of the blaster on-site and shoot through targets set up within the training grounds."

"A prototype blaster, huh? So it's basically a shooting sport, right?"

Now, regarding the traditional rifle race.

As Memoqsi mentioned, the general overview is accurate.

To go into a bit more detail:

Competitors are said to assemble rifles from countless parts provided by the event organizers.

Moreover, this firearm known as a rifle is a weapon that fires small, lightweight solid bullets using explosive force, without relying on mods, and has largely been replaced by blasters in modern times.

In short, in the resource-limited environment of space colonies and spacecraft, considering factors such as power, safety, and recyclability, this type of weapon—aside from use in sports and hobbies—has largely been phased out.

And so, using such a weapon—building it yourself, crafting ammunition on the spot—you run through a specially designed training facility, hitting multiple targets in succession, and ultimately reaching the finish line.

Apparently, it's a race where you're evaluated not just on speed, but also on accuracy, and your rank is determined by that.

"So basically, speed matters, dexterity matters, and physical ability for movement is necessary too. Even though it's conducted in a training facility, this is still a grueling race."

"You also need knowledge about combining parts and the ability to assess routes. This race is tougher than I originally thought."

"That's correct. Incidentally, competitors are only allowed to use shield mods for accident prevention, so their raw skill is truly put to the test."

"By the way, tickets to watch this race are being sold at high prices. As for the private box your group is using today, it's something money alone can't buy."

We hadn't known, but it seems to be quite a popular event.

Hmm, if we didn't know, the real thing might actually be centered around the Teijou Vanilla Sid region—or nearby star systems, really.

The old-fashioned rifle itself seems to be a weapon from the era before the Vanilla Space Empire even had "Space" in its name.

If that's the case, it makes perfect sense that the Vilijianiara would come to watch, even if attendance wasn't mandatory.

"Well, we've arrived at the nearby station."

"Yeah. Oh, there are commemorative sweets at the souvenir shop—can I grab a few for you?"

It's fine. Please bring everything for everyone.

Understood.

The tram arrived at the station near the venue.

The route from the station to the venue was bustling with festival energy, with various shops setting up stalls.

There might be plenty worth seeing, but since there are shops inside the practice field as well, it's probably best to avoid anything that doesn't stand out for now.

So, as requested, I bought three of them.

"What did you bring back?"

"Bullet-shaped chocolates. There are regular, Russian Roulette flavor, and Silver Bullet flavor. I got one of each for all three of us."

"Thank you. Let's open one regular one and eat it while we go."

"Got it."

I opened the package of one of the bullet-shaped chocolates I had bought.

Hmm, they're grouped in sets of eighteen, each one shaped like a combination of a cylinder and a cone.

So, excluding Memochi, the other three of us will each eat six.

"Delicious and sweet, isn't it?"

"Oh, there's a cookie inside."

"According to the packaging, they've recreated the hard part of a bullet."

The taste... well, it's just ordinary chocolate.

Slightly sweet, with just a hint of bitterness, and beneath the chocolate coating lies a crisp, baked cookie base that offers a satisfying crunch.

It’s one of those simple, unassuming treats—exactly the kind of souvenir candy that nobody can dislike.

If I bought a larger quantity, I could send some to Seiryō Corporation... No, that won't do. Lately I've been sending research materials almost like Hekyo Mōryu, so they might just assume this is the same kind of thing.

If I'm going to give it as a gift, I'll need to think carefully about how to present it.

"Miss Vee, Miss Sata, Miss Joharis. The venue is here. We'll head in from this side."

"Understood."

"Got it."

Understood.

By the time we finished saying that, we had arrived at the venue and entered inside.

Though it's called "ancient," it's ancient in the context of the Space Empire era.