Interlude 6
"This is the 'Multi-functional Type Selective Shell (Experimental Phase) for Feathered Scourge Opponents,' also known as 'Calamity Crushing Heaven.'"
When the superior suddenly muttered a long, cryptic phrase, Rouji froze in place.
"...Huh?"
"This is the 'Multi-functional Type Selective Shell for Feathered Scourge Opponents—'"
"You don’t need to repeat yourself. I don’t understand."
"Oh! This is the new weapon for Rouji!"
Kengo, who was nearby, exclaimed in delight. Sure enough, inside the attaché case brought by their superior was something sleek and black.
While Kengo referred to it as a weapon, it wasn’t exactly a weapon. It was a gauntlet.
Rouji frowned, as this wasn’t what he had ordered.
"I requested a firearm, not a gauntlet. Did you lose your hearing, old man?"
The ongoing conflict with the 'Organization' over the 'Fallen Feathers' had been intensifying. During this time, the 'White Mage' had significantly boosted their combat power by acquiring a newly crafted sword. Additionally, a new 'Blessed' user had appeared, wielding a massive clay figure. As a result, Rouji had been forced into a constant disadvantage.
In an effort to counter this, Rouji had requested new firearms from the 'Shishiba Institute' development department...
"Don’t assume your requests will always be fulfilled within the Institute, 'Feather Hunter.' I’ll make you cry."
The superior snapped, causing Rouji to fall silent for a moment.
"...Even so, explain why it wasn’t fulfilled, and why a gauntlet instead?"
"Don’t complain, Rouji! I hardly get any weapons issued to me!"
"That’s because you can’t use weapons, nor do you need to."
Kengo, who could use his 'Blessing' for both offense and defense, didn’t need any basic weaponry, as they would only hold him back.
But Rouji wasn’t in the same position, and so weapons were a matter of life and death. Particularly firearms, which were the foundation of combat operations.
"The developers say, 'What you need isn’t a firearm, 'Feather Hunter.'' This 'Anti-Feathered Scourge... Gauntlet' was made to further enhance your natural combat instincts, especially your adaptability."
"Don’t just give up halfway… My request wasn’t taken into account, but now you’re praising my combat sense? I don’t believe a gauntlet will change much."
"True, that’s what it looks like. After all, gauntlets are meant to be worn on both arms! But this one only covers one arm! Uncle, did you lose the other one?! I want to wear one too!"
"You think I’d make such a mistake like you? For now, one arm is sufficient. Besides, this gauntlet is designed specifically for Rouji, and will not be distributed to other personnel."
Initially, Rouji had requested firearms with higher penetration power and matching ammo—simply put, he wanted more offensive power. But the head of the development department disagreed with that request. Instead, they created this gauntlet, 'Calamity Crushing Heaven,' to enhance Rouji's ability to apply his combat instincts.
Complaining wouldn't get him anywhere, so Rouji strapped 'Calamity Crushing Heaven' to his right arm.
"! It's lighter than it looks. Plus, it doesn’t restrict the range of motion in my joints."
'Calamity Crushing Heaven' consisted of both gauntlet and arm guard, covering the arm from elbow to fingertips. It was metallic and quite rugged, yet Rouji was surprised to find he could move his elbow and finger joints smoothly. It felt less like armor and more like an accessory, similar to a corset or a splint.
The superior acknowledged that it fit well with Rouji’s body and threw a stack of papers at him.
"What’s this?"
"A manual. They say 'learn by doing,' but you’re not that type. Learn as you go."
"I’ll get the hang of it once I use it! Let’s have a mock battle, Rouji!"
"Calm down. It’s a waste of time if you don’t understand the content first."
While calming Kengo, Rouji deftly flipped through the manual with his left hand. He memorized what was written, understood it mentally, and began to use it physically. He couldn’t just pick it up like Kengo did, learning by instinct as he went along.
"The features include... wire projection, fist thrust, shock, propulsion jet, capture net, concealed firearm, heat source detection, heat ray emission (planned), shape-shifting (planned), forced awakening (planned), and more. What’s all this?"
"Oh! …Oh!"
"It’s a bundle of romance."
Despite being called a multi-functional type, it certainly lived up to the name. It had many functions, and the specifics of some weren’t entirely clear from the name alone. However, as expected, since it was still in the experimental phase, not all the functions were yet available in 'Calamity Crushing Heaven.'
In addition to the features Rouji had read out, there were others in the manual that seemed less important, like "electronic money compatibility," "alarm function," and "vibration function (planned)." Rouji quickly realized.
"You must have made this for fun."
"Don’t ask me. Go directly to the development department if you want answers."
"……"
"As long as it’s strong, there’s no problem, Rouji!"
As Kengo concluded, Rouji would indeed end up fighting with 'Calamity Crushing Heaven' until the end. The development department’s assessment proved correct. Rouji’s adaptability surged explosively, allowing him to fight on even terms or better with many 'Blessed,' including the 'White Mage.'
('Calamity Crushing Heaven.' My new weapon──my new partner.)
...That said, he never ended up using half of the functions it came with.
