158: Ancient Rifle Race Venue

"The venue is already ready, then."

"Yes. While the ancient rifle race allows freedom in route selection, all participants compete on the same stage."

Vilijanira arrived at the VIP viewing stand.

From the window of the VIP stand, looking out at the competition site, the venue setup—leveraging the functionality of the versatile adaptive comprehensive training field—was already complete.

From a quick glance, it seems the area is divided into three sections: one for placing the various dozen types of old-style rifle parts by component, another for assembling the collected parts, and a third where participants run around carrying assembled old-style rifles before shooting at targets.

What’s slightly concerning is that some of the targets for the old-style rifles are positioned unusually close to the VIP stand.

Depending on the firing position, bullets could potentially fly right into the VIP seating area.

"Security measures... look pretty solid, huh. Otherwise, they couldn't possibly place targets in such a position."

"Of course. That's precisely why these seats are considered so impressive—because accidents are prevented at all costs."

Yet, as if reading my concerns, the room was equipped with a shield mod, which appeared to have activated the moment we stepped inside.

Output... comparable to a military spacecraft. My main body could easily tear it apart, but this isn't something that could be handled by personal firearms alone.

Moreover, it seems a reinforcement mod has been activated, increasing the inherent strength of the materials composing the room—clearly designed to counter shield-piercing modifications.

With this level of protection, even a massive explosion right next to the room wouldn't cause any damage inside.

"Hmm, given the number and variety of parts, it seems like there'll probably be a scramble for them. Is obtaining parts based on a lottery?"

"No, it's first-come, first-served. While taking more than necessary is technically prohibited... there's almost certainly going to be a scramble. Also, depending on how compatible the parts are with each other, they might not fit properly, requiring adjustments using tools provided at the venue."

"Wow, that's tough. Adjustments aren't something you do in a race against time, you know."

I hear Joharis and Memokshi's voices.

But from this angle, I can't tell exactly what parts are available—neither from the doll's eyes nor the body's eyes.

So, I quickly install a basic zoom mod on my eyes and take a look at the parts storage area.

I see. Even just looking at the barrel section meant for firing projectiles, there are obvious differences in thickness, length, and color—even to a layperson's eye.

If there's such a wide variation, then clearly, depending on the parts chosen, they might not even be connectable. In that case, the only option would be to make adjustments at a place where even something resembling a furnace is prepared.

I mean, really.

"Depending on the situation, it could do more than just send the bullet flying in the wrong direction—it might even cause the barrel to explode..."

"Players are required to use the shield mod. That's why—it would be too dangerous otherwise."

I see.

If a vintage rifle is assembled poorly, the bullet will fly off in the wrong direction.

If the overall compatibility is extremely poor—even including handcrafted bullets—the barrel could explode and burst apart.

Even if the compatibility is good, too much powder will still cause an explosion.

Hmm, that's harsh.

In fact, just completing the race safely requires a high level of expertise in every possible direction.

Knowledge of the antique rifle itself, physical strength and luck to hit the target parts, dexterity to assemble it, the skill to mix ammunition, physical capability to handle the assembled rifle, and the ability to recover in case of emergencies.

There are probably many other requirements as well.

Truly grueling.

"Hmm? Ah, I've taken measures for that, of course."

"Satā, what's wrong?"

"No, I checked the mods being used at the venue. There are static-proof and explosion-suppression mods installed in the area where parts are placed."

"Yeah, it's a precaution just in case. That's actually mentioned in the official brochure."

"Indeed, it's exactly as written."

"Though, since the participants are professionals, such measures rarely need to be activated, really."

I quietly ran my hands over various parts of the main unit, checking the mods in use, and confirmed that the areas around the explosives were protected with even stricter safeguards than elsewhere.

The mods were designed to prevent static discharge, and in the unlikely event of ignition, they would suppress combustion speed and reduce the energy released.

It seems that once removed, there's no risk of the gunpowder igniting, even if stored together.

Otherwise... there were mods built into the adjustment tools that allow for rapid cooling without weakening the material, and mechanisms integrated throughout the competition venue to seamlessly distribute shield mod energy.

They've put a lot of thought into safety measures.

Incidentally, the official pamphlet also stated that participants wishing to take part in the traditional rifle race should ensure they have proper facilities, as special equipment and mods are required.

Well, that makes sense, yeah.

This isn't a competition that anyone should just try out casually on the street.

01/12 Correction of typo