Sunday, July 15th. Of course, there were no lessons on this day, however, before the Tournament, nine schools were less than a month away, and the participants of the competition with great zeal rushed to the school for training.
Of course, the Amy-Kumiko couple also came to training. There were few opportunities for training for the Rower and Shooter competition, so from the very early morning, single participants and teams of the beginner’s division, including men's teams, gathered near the water channel located on the training grounds.
- Good morning.
At the starting point of the water channel there was a building combining a dressing room, a shower room and a relaxation room. There, these two were waiting for Azusa. As usual, she was polite even to those younger than her.
The schedule, according to which Azusa will be present in the morning, and Tatsuya in the afternoon, was known in advance, so neither Amy nor Kumiko were surprised that they met Azusa here. Amy and Kumiko were attracted by a small case the size of a sandwich.
“Good morning, President.”
- Morning, A-chan. What do you have?
Amy chose to follow the manners in relation to senpai, but Kumiko had no reason to hesitate to satisfy her curiosity.
- It? Here.
-?
Azusa handed Kumiko this case. Without any explanation, inspection or inspection.
The case was persistently put into Kumiko's hand. The first impression was that it was unexpectedly light.
The case looked like it was made of light alloy, but apparently it was plastic.
A small object inside was just as light.
- Protective glasses?
Inside was eye protection in the form of glasses. They differed from ordinary glasses in one detail: a miniature camera with a length and width of only 1 centimeter and a thickness of 5 millimeters was attached to the base of the bow.
- And, is it probably glasses with a built-in navigator?
- Right ~. As expected from Ku-chan.
Azusa clapped her hands.
- Tadam! This navigator is designed so that during the passage of the first (training) circle, he will record the route to the built-in camera, and during the second circle, which will go to the competition, he will display a direction bar on the glasses glass. Such an assistant in the observation of blind spots.
- Ah-chan, well, to whom are you telling this? - Joked Kumiko in response to the lively speech of Azusa.
- Ehehe ...
Azusa laughed, but did not cower, as usual, only because there was a friendly atmosphere, and there were only people of the same gender: her classmate and kohai. But even if we mention the same gender, the same thing would not happen in the presence of, for example, Mayumi or Mari.
- In any case, with these points the problem of poor visibility of the route will be solved. In Rower and Arrow, each pair acts separately from other rivals, so all you need to worry about is laying the route.
She changed her style of speech * not because, apart from Kumiko, Amy was also present, but because she switched to the "mode of explanation."
[Here the features of the Japanese language that are not translated into Russian, when the Japanese use the des / mas endings to express various "levels" of politeness. Simply put, she said the last sentence 1 level less politely. Well, the bastard is uncultured!]
- Indeed, if you know the route, then there will be no problems with controlling the boat.
- There will be no problems with the rules, even if you miss surface targets.
“But doesn’t that come under the ban?”
To a legitimate question, Kumiko Azusa showed her face, as if saying "I was waiting for this question."
- The limitations on equipment in Rower and Shooter only mean that a boat should be used without physical driving force. There are no rules prohibiting the use of navigators.
Hearing this answer, Kumiko nodded with an understanding face.
- Ho ho. And you came up with this idea yourself, A-chan?
- Uh ... In truth, it was Shiba-kun who invented it.
- I knew it. Looking for weaknesses in rules is not A-chan's thinking style.
“But I put together this navigation system!” In addition to the basic concept, Shiba-kun did not help me in anything!
“Hmm ... just like a Columbus egg *.”
[Columbus egg is a winged expression denoting an unexpectedly simple way out of a predicament. Read more: https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolumbovo_Egg]
- Maybe it is, but!
Azusa turned away resentfully, and Kumiko began to calm her with a smile.
Watching this scene, Amy felt a sense of frustration. She thought that using any means, not necessarily magic, to achieve victory was quite in Tatsui's style. However, the disappointment was due to the fact that at the request of Kumiko, the solution was not some stunning magic, but only some kind of electronic device that anyone could prepare.
"... And what, interestingly, was I hoping for?"
Amy was surprised at herself, realizing what she was thinking now. Although yesterday she was worried about whether Kumiko would become another experimental rabbit, deep down she was waiting for some kind of surprise in the form of a new advanced supermagic.
"Firstly, adding new magic to tactics is basically just unnecessary problems for competitors"
For Tatsuya, perhaps giving out ideas for new magic is an ordinary routine. But less than a month is left before the competition. Honestly, trying to learn new magic in such a short time is reckless. This can be understood from the experience of last year.
"She also said to Shizuku that it was difficult for her to study the Active Air Mine, and she could not master the Phonon Maser perfectly. So, Shiba-kun, after all, is not one of those who thoughtlessly introduces new magic?"
"The path to victory using only familiar magic will be more reliable. I, too, must do my best only with what I have now."
Having convinced herself in this way, Amy got into the boat to begin the training.
“It will take time to get used to the navigator, so let's first devote one hour to the practice of moving.”
- Accepted.
Sitting in the front seat, Kumiko nodded in response to Azusa's suggestion.
- When you understand that there are no problems with the movement, then start combining with shooting. Akechi-san, this will be the best.
- I understood!
The boat set off immediately after Amy's energetic reply, which sat in its place in a lap pose.
◊ ◊ ◊
There is a saying: when the danger passes, you forget about it. And it can be truly “dangerous” when determination can be weakened by unnecessary thoughts in the head.
- Shiba-kun, help out ~
In just half a day, Amy had already forgotten her decision to "fight only with the forces already available."
- This is rather unexpected. Amy, what's your problem?
When Tatsui began to change after dinner, Amy, only seeing him, got off the boat to the shore and began to beg him tearfully.
Tatsuya looked behind Amy and saw Kumiko there, looking at them with a tight smile.
- Why talk standing up? Let's talk inside. “Tatsuya suggested listening to Amy in the relaxation room.”
- Hunting is a "sport" in which you usually pursue one single prey.
-? ... Well, I will not argue.
Tatsuya decided to agree with Amy, who, without any introduction or explanation, raised a topic whose logical connection with what was happening could only be guessed at.
First, it should be noted that Amy used the word “one thing *” instead of “one animal”, because in this era, instead of living creatures like rabbits or foxes, robots were used as “prey”.
[Feature of the Japanese language: the numbers for different objects are different]
- On the “High-Speed Shooting”, although many targets take off simultaneously, there is no such chaos, because the player has a fixed viewing point.
“In other words, Amy, are you worried you can't handle so many targets normally?”
- Right! Shiba-kun, did you understand this only from these words? - Amy asked in surprise.
Kumiko also widened her eyes, and Tatsuya thought they were both exaggerating. Considering the features of Rower and Shooter, it’s easy to understand from the current conversation what will concern the Shooter in the face of Amy. ... Well, at least for Tatsui it was easy.
“Shiba-kun, can you offer something?”
Amy looked at Tatsuya with eyes full of hope. She obviously hoped that Tatsuya had some kind of "secret weapon" in her pocket that could easily solve the current situation.
“Countermeasures have already been prepared.”
Regardless of Amy’s actions, Tatsuya had previously assumed that she would have problems with simultaneous multiple aiming. Therefore, he prepared a plan to address this issue. He did not present this plan from the very beginning, because he took into account the burden of learning new magic. He wanted to try first whether it would be possible to organize everything without this plan.
- Uh, is there already a solution?
In general, to provide equipment for the athlete to win - such was the work entrusted to him. Therefore, it was Tatsuya at that moment that was supposed to make a surprised face, but his face remained unchanged.
- Wait a bit. - Tatsuya said and disappeared into the locker room.
He returned from there with a kind of oblong-shaped case in his hand. One could guess that the contents of the case turned out to be CAD. He was the same form Aimee used in this training - a shortened barrel rifle.
- In this CAD, the sequence of activation of the Invisible Bullet variety for firing shots is recorded.
- Uh !?
- Invisible Bullet !?
Tatsuya frowned at the fact that both girls screamed at the same time.
“... Why are you so surprised?” And you, Kunisaki-senpai, are reacting too surprised.
- No-no-no-no-no!
Kumiko stared at Tatsuya. A smile faded from her face, which was rare for her. But that was not all. It seems that she temporarily forgot about her feeling of hostility to Tatsuya (more precisely, to male students).
- Am I surprised? Surprised, you say? Yes, I am definitely surprised!
After that, Kumiko looked around for help, and Amy nodded, agreeing with her.
“And yet, why wonder?”
“But the Invisible Bullet is advanced advanced magic using the Cardinal Code!”
- This is really magic, requiring a high level of magical skill, but its activation sequence is in the public domain, is it not so?
“But you cannot customize it for a specific wizard unless you understand the contents of the published materials!” That is why so far there has not been a single user, except Kichijouji Shinkuro-kun!
Kumiko’s argument was a generally accepted opinion based on facts known to the public. Tatsuya decided not to skimp on explanations in order to correct this error.
- Invisible Bullet is not popular, because it is magic with a limited scope. The effect of this magic is only to create pressure at a specified point. It does not have the effect of direct modification of the target object. Therefore, the real number of situations of its effective use both in battle and for peaceful purposes is limited. In science, it can be extremely effective, but outside the labs, the effectiveness of other magic will be higher.
After listening to Tatsui's explanation, both girls calmed down a bit. But after these explanations, a new question was born in Amy's head.
“Then why try to use such magic?” Besides, what is this modification "for firing shots"? You even took the time to redo the original activation sequence ...
- Redo the activation sequence !? - Cried Kumiko. For Aimee herself, Tatsuya’s unreasonable actions were already commonplace.
“Of course, because this magic is well suited for Rower and Shooter.”
- ...Truth?
- Yes. But the original version has lower efficiency. So I reorganized it into a "shotgun type" ... I wonder if Kichijouji Shinkuro will notice this?
Tatsui's lips curved in a barely noticeable smirk.
"She knew that Shiba-kun had a bad temper," thought Amy who noticed this.
◊ ◊ ◊
The fifth of August 2096, the first day of the Tournament of nine schools.
Engineers completed the last CAD checks in the Rower and Shooter participants ’waiting room, and all that remained was to wait for the competition to begin.
“Finally, it has begun.” Honestly, I’m a little uneasy that we are the first to compete, but such a lot has fallen.
Kumiko, who extended this lot, made an apologetic gesture, clasped her hands in front of her face. There was a sly grin on that face.
Kunisaki-senpai seems to be relaxed and in a good mood , thought Tatsuya, who saw this.
“However, this also means that we will not know the time of other schools, and we will not have numbers in our heads that create psychological pressure.” Let's calmly perform at our own pace.
Azusa and Kumiko nodded in agreement with Tatsui's words. However, these words were primarily addressed to Amy. It was clearly visible that her legs were trembling a little. As far as Tatsuya remembered, last year she was not so tense.
“Amy-chan, everything will be alright if we do as usual.”
Kumiko patted Amy on the shoulder.
Since Tatsuya was nearby, her voice was quiet and her tone restrained (not because she tried to accept men, but because she could not behave differently because of her phobia), but the force of patting was decent.
- Ukya !? Amy screamed. She jumped back 2 steps and turned away from Kumiko, pouting.
“Ku-chan-senpai, it hurts!”
- Sorry Sorry. It just seemed to me that Amy-chan was too tense. It is not like you.
- I mean! What does "not like me" mean !? I have a very vulnerable character!
- Yes, yes, I know, gentle, vulnerable, delicate.
- Ku-chan-senpai! Amy complained and stepped back to Kumiko, who murmured her apologies in a monotone voice.
At that moment, Tatsuya interrupted them.
“Amy, it looks like your legs are no longer trembling.”
- Uh, ah ...!
Even when you are deceiving someone else's view, you cannot deceive yourself. All that can be done is to try not to notice.
Amy was clearly aware that she was trembling with tension. Therefore, she quickly realized what Tatsuya had in mind.
- This is about how to be distracted from the stress with a loud cry?
- ...Who knows?
Amy bowed her head in puzzlement, and Kumiko pushed her chest out behind her with a pleased face expressing "I solved your problem." ... For Tatsui, her behavior did not fit into her existing image, so he pretended not to notice.
- I can understand the tension from being the very first player in the very first competition. But be sure of yourself. Amy, you have mastered the Invisible Bullet, modified as a shotgun.
- ...Truth?
- Yes true.
From behind, Amy Kumiko muttered: “It sounded like self-praise by Shiba-kun who developed this activation sequence,” but Tatsuya ignored it.
“Amy, you and Kunisaki-senpai are starring right now.” Go and stun the audience.
- That's right, Aimee-chan. We will burst onto the stage as loudly as possible!
- ...Right.
Amy's face finally regained its normal brightness.
- Yes, thinking about failure will be unproductive! I will try my best to smash everyone to smithereens!
- That's what I understand fighting spirit! Then, A-chan, Shiba-kun, we go!
They showed Tatsuya and Azusa a thumbs up gesture and set off for the boat already prepared for the start of the swim.
"Isn't Kunisaki-senpai pretending to be calm?" Tatsuya thought, watching the retreating girls.
- This ... what else is there?
In the tent, which plays the role of the headquarters of the Third School, the voice of a technician was heard watching the monitor showing the rower and gunner route.
“First school ... so that guy ?” Again his strange tricks in business ...
Kumiko goggles attracted the attention of Third School technicians.
“Is that ... a navigator with a camera?”
- Uh? Isn't that a violation of the rules?
Having gathered the views of female technicians from the third year of study, Kichijouji bit his lip in frustration.
- ... The only limitation on the equipment was "use a vehicle on the surface of the water that does not have its own traction." The use of electronic devices not responsible for the driving force is not a violation. And the fact that the boat of the First School calmly expects on the starting line only proves it.
On the shoulder of Kichijouji lay the hand of Ichijou Masaki standing behind him.
- The seat of the rower is a little understated, and behind it, on the contrary, is the slightly oversized seat of the arrow, which sits in a position on its knees apart. The same style as our school. And a boat of the same style: narrow and with deep draft. It seems that George and that guy came to the same conclusions.
- Masaki ...
- George did not bother finding how to get around the rules, primarily because our “rower” does not need any auxiliary devices to control the boat. Therefore, he did not do this.
- Yes, that's right ... Sorry, thanks for the support.
Seeing that Kichijouji nodded, Masaki removed his hand from his shoulder.
“Okay, now we have to see how they go along the route.” This is a new competition, and this is the very first race. We need to benefit from the performance of the First School.
Hearing what Masaki said, not only Kichijouji but also high school students stared at the monitors.
The ready-to-start warning light comes on. Three lamps lit one above the other, and then went out at the same time. At the same moment, the boat of the First School fell off.
- Wow? So fast.
- But the first round is a training familiarization swim. There is no point in starting well.
- Targets don't appear on the first lap, right?
- Right. On the first lap only the best route is laid. ... And yet, they started quite briskly.
- Even if you capsize on the first lap, it does not affect the results. I think that they are studying at what speed they can accelerate, while maintaining the optimal route.
“We must follow suit.” Let our school also use this tactic.
“It is good that our turn fell precisely after the First school.”
“Their boat is pretty stable.”
“They don't seem to use too much magic to weaken the resistance of the water.”
“On the contrary, it seems that they skillfully use traction with water.” They chose a player whose boat control skills are better than magic skills?
While the technicians and competitors from the Third School calmly criticized the ways to control the First School boat, the training circle ended and the test circle was to begin soon.
- At last.
The First School boat crossed the starting line and the clock began to count.
Immediately after this, the equanimity of the Third School students disappeared. No, not only students of the Third School. And the students of all other schools watching the performance of the First School.
- Quickly!
- What kind of magic !? Like a shotgun!
They were surprised not by the speed of the boat, but by the magic of the shooter shooting one after another the targets created by the program in random order.
- As I thought! Watch it! Around the targets, traces of shots are also visible!
“It doesn't look like ice bullets.” Maybe it's air bullets?
- Zoom in on the target image!
Kichijouji was already doing this when this request was made.
A small model of a ship floating on the surface of the water was struck by the shot of the First School and was already starting to sink.
A paused image showing this moment was displayed on a neighboring monitor.
- ...Without a doubt. Traces of a shot on the surface of the water resemble a shot shot.
- No solid or liquid bullets are visible. So this is, after all, air bullets !?
- ...No.
Kichijouji almost gnashed his teeth in frustration when he rebutted the high school student’s hunch.
- This is ... The Invisible Bullet.
Meanwhile, a pair from First School made a bid to win, destroying almost all of the emerging targets. Although not all 100% of the targets were hit, it was shooting that claimed the highest result.
However, the views of the students gathered in the tent of the Third School did not focus on the monitors showing the enemy, but on Kichijouji.
- Truth? No, that is, George cannot be wrong. “Only Masaki was able to answer the conclusion reached by Kichijouji.”
- Yes, there can be no mistake. However, this is not the original Invisible Bullet.
- Not original?
But even Masaki seemed to have lost his calm, judging by the fact that he could only ask again by repeating the words of Kichijouji.
“My Invisible Bullet is a sniper-type shot aimed at one point.” And the player from the First school uses such a peculiar “shot with a shot", aimed at many points at the same time. And this "shot with a shot", to everything else, is applied through the Cyclic Challenge, which allows you to create a real fire curtain, as if shooting shot from a machine gun. There is no penalty for miss on the target, so this can be called a successful adaptation of magic for this competition.
All the students gathered in the tent, probably, clearly heard at that moment the sound of gnashing of teeth by Kichijouji. At least Kichijouji looked so annoyed that he caused such auditory hallucinations in others.
- ... How, how, how he did it! Not just recreated my Invisible Bullet, but even modified it!
This time, even Masaki was unable to find the words to answer Kichijouji.
In the ominous silence that came in the tent of the Third school, the monitor showed the finish of the pair from the First school. They scored so many points and showed such a time, which, according to forecasts, claimed to win.
Getting off the boat, Amy rushed to Tatsuya in full steam.
Given last year’s experience, Tatsuya did not stretch his arms forward to stop her.
Whether it was excellent self-control, or, conversely, fear, but, as expected, Amy suddenly braked right in front of Tatsuya.
- Cheers cheers! We did it! You've seen? Seen, seen !?
Instead, she began to splash out her excitement with words.
- Yes of course. You did well, Amy.
- I could, I could!
- Yes. Both the audience and other schools were also very surprised.
- And did not fall! Never from start to finish!
- Yes, well done.
Not knowing how to deal with Amy, Tatsuya looked at Kumiko, begging for help.
However, Kumiko was also busy, shaking hands with Azusa with tears in her eyes.
Arguing without any emotion that “for modern schoolgirls, it seems normal to cry in such situations,” Tatsuya heroically endured it until an employee of the tournament came to inform him that it was time to give way to the following participants.
◊ ◊ ◊
Kichijouji Shinkuro performed in the solo male Rower and Arrow. Although he was considered the main contender for the victory, he missed this victory.
Experts analyzing such an unexpected outcome came to the conclusion that this was due to a "cunning plan" unexpectedly used by the Seventh School.
But at the same time, there were also rumors that this could be caused by a shock from the “Invisible Bullet” he saw, which was used the day before by a shooter from a female pair of the First School.
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