The trainees are currently at a vast landfill, but this landfill is unique because it's not filled with trash. Instead, the site is overflowing with useful items. This site is also known as the Landfill of Valuable Spare Parts.
"In previous sessions, you guessed the names of various guns displayed in front of you, and I showed you how to make a gun. Last time, you engaged in a shooting sport. Today, I'm assigning you to create your own pistol and bullets," Sir Antonof explained. "The pistol you create will be the one you'll use in your next tactical game. I'll give you thirty minutes to search for parts for your gun."
After the instruction, the trainees dispersed. Each carried a wooden basket to collect parts and began searching on their own.
For Agysmal, he needed to excel in Sir Antonof's marksmanship class, as he ranked 15th out of 18 trainees. He planned to build an air pistol that uses compressed air or gas to propel a projectile.
He wondered how their next tactical game would play out if they were using real bullets. Would they be killing each other by then? But High Periphery loved twists, and it was expected that such a day would come.
Given the vastness and the sheer amount of items stored in the landfill, it's impossible to find the small spare parts for the pistol you're trying to assemble. However, for Agysmal, this will teach him to be more patient and not just that, but also to develop his ability to scrutinize tiny details that are almost invisible to the naked eye.
Agysmal waved his hand, and a wooden screen appeared before him. He pressed a manual button and selected the one related to guns. Agysmal searched for the components needed to build an air pistol.
•••
Air Pistol Components
Main Components
- Barrel
- Receiver
- Trigger
- Grip
- Magazine
Power Source
- Air tank
- CO2 cartridge
- Spring
Other Components
- Sights
- Safety
- Stock
•••
To make their work easier, they used a magnetic device to attract the specific part they were looking for. While searching for other components, Agysmal stopped and noticed Lotuslush searching alone for parts for her gun. His gaze intensified on the woman. At first, he just passed by her, but now he was becoming interested.
She was tall with a slender build, but be warned, she's prickly. Her smoky white hair was very voluminous and alluring. Her beauty was captivating but deadly. These were Agysmal's realizations. When the wind blew, Lotuslush's hair strands swayed.
Unbeknownst to Agysmal, the woman he had been staring at for a while had already caught him staring. Agysmal was startled when he felt their bodies touch, and he dropped the basket he was holding. Lotuslush hugged him.
"I made the right decision breaking that egg," Lotuslush said while hugging Agysmal, who hesitated for a moment before returning the gentle hug. "I often see you alone. You're incredibly independent, which makes me think that while you were inside the egg, you might have been waiting for someone to set you free."
"You're the one who saved me," Agysmal said, releasing Lotuslush from the hug and looking into her eyes. "What do I need to do to repay you?"
The trainees, carrying their baskets, gathered again after finding the components to assemble the gun and its ammunition. A gigantic golden gate appeared before them and opened. As everyone exited the landfill, Agysmal and Lotuslush, who were standing close together, caught everyone's attention.
When they arrived at the factory, which also served as a classroom for the trainees, they laid out the pistol components on their respective tables. After assembling the pistol, they submerged it in a boiling cauldron to cook. Once the pistol was "cooked," it underwent upgrades, such as design improvements. Then, they proceeded to create the ammunition for it.
"Now that you have successfully created your own pistol and ammunition, I will divide you into three groups for our upcoming tactical game," announced Sir Antonof to his trainees, who were standing in formation before him. "The wooden boxes in front of you contain bulletproof vests with red, blue, and yellow colors. Each of you needs to choose a box, and those with matching colors will form a group immediately."
One by one, the eighteen trainees lined up to choose a box from the long table. When Agysmal opened his, he found that he was going to be on the Red Team. As he put it on, the others with the same color vest gradually gathered around him. What surprised and amazed Agysmal was that his teammates on the Red Team consisted entirely of women: Ivypom, Daisygil, Shansai, Florchid, and Lotuslush.
"It looks like someone's lost in the sisterhood," Florchid said facetiously, referring to Agysmal. "But I'm relieved it's not the polemicist Matrix on my team – I'd take him out first."
"What's your problem with Matrix?" Shansai asked Florchid, glancing at the guy with the sun shades and numerous body markings. "He doesn't seem like the type to harass women."
"He's not, but he mistook me for a guy with a ponytail because I'm flat-chested," Florchid replied, annoyed, but eventually calmed down, especially when she saw Agysmal. "Out of all the guys here, Agysmal seems to be the only sane one."
Meanwhile, Lotuslush was quietly approaching Agysmal, and when she reached his side, she nudged his arm to get his attention. Agysmal was unaware of the girl's actions as he was studying their opponents.
"You're really serious, aren't you?" Lotuslush uttered, sizing up their opponents as well.
"No, I'm just observing," Agysmal replied with a congenial smile, scratching the back of his neck. "But now that you're here, our chances of winning have increased," Agysmal added.
"But I still need your help. I need you as my backup," Lotuslush added, looking through Agysmal's blue eyes as she slowly reached out to touch his index finger with hers. As their fingers made contact, a sudden pulse trembled through her system, originating from her racing heart. She looked up at the serious Agysmal, who hooked their index fingers together.
"Look at Agysmal's team," Xenonim, the handheld sweet enthusiast, said to Comtalc, his teammate. "He's the only male member, and if I were in his shoes, I'd be thrilled to be surrounded by gorgeous ladies. But he's just taking it easy, like he's taking everything for granted."
"We couldn't help but feel envious since our team is composed of hypermasculine individuals," Comtalc replied, diverting his gaze to Erewhen's team, which had a single female member, Megumi.
"Based on the rankings, Agysmal's team has the least performing trainees in marksmanship, so it'll be easy to take them down," Xenonim said, trying to refocus Comtalc's attention on Agysmal's team, which was now discussing what type of tactical game to play outside the factory.
"But we're not so sure about that," Comtalc said, although smiling, his tone was serious. "Don't forget, Lotuslush is still in their team. She's one of the best at targeting. The girls in this class shouldn't be underestimated. Women like them have a fierce passion and determination to challenge the status quo."
"Alright, trainees, listen up!" The trainees composed themselves as Sir Antonof began speaking in an authoritative tone. "Once you exit the factory, you'll see stacks of crates, tonnage boxes, and shipping chests. These will serve as the maze, barricades, or obstacles in your game. Each team will have one member carrying a flag that the opposing team will try to capture. If a player's colored vest is hit by a pistol shot, it will change to black, and they will be eliminated from the game. The team that successfully places three flags at the top of the tower will win. When you hear the siren, that's your cue to start. And finally, I'll be waiting for you at the top."
Suddenly, Sir Antonof glitched and disappeared. The factory door opened, and as they exited, each team rushed to their respective starting lines to retrieve their flags.
In the Red Team, Agysmal volunteered to carry the flag. Since the siren hadn't sounded yet, Agysmal's team gathered for a quick meeting.
"So, what's the plan?" Florchid asked.
"I think, based on individual rankings, we'll be the first target of our opponents," Lotuslush began. "But instead of hiding, we'll set a trap for them – we'll be the trap. We'll make our way to the tower while they're attacking us gradually."
"That's suicide, but I'm up for it," Shansai added. "Let's surround Agysmal and protect him – we can't let him get hit by a bullet."
"I've got a great sense of direction," Ivypom said confidently. "I'll take point as the team's navigator."
"I will shield you guys from the shooters," Daisygil said.
"I'm good at close combat, so whenever an opponent approaches, I'll take care of them," Shansai added.
"I'm flexible," Florchid said. "Whoever needs help, I'll rescue them."
"Don't worry, I'll take out our opponents one by one," Lotuslush said with assurance.
"Although the Flag Bearer is the main target, we must still be vigilant," Agysmal reminded them. "Anyone can be the bearer, whether you're the navigator, the shield, the attacker, the reliever, or the sharpshooter. One must be flexible. But since we each have our own roles, let's stick to them."
One by one, Agysmal and the girls place their hands together. Their loud cheer for their team captivated the attention of the opposing teams.
As they walk into the maze, Agysmal thought to himself that as long as their team cooperates and communicates well, they have a good chance of planting the flags at the top of the tower.