Event Story – THE LINK OF GUNSLINGER, ch.2

[kozvme]

 

Gast: (Working me hard right after patrol... Been a while since I felt run-down.
Though I'm happy Marion's teaching us properly now. It's kinda like we're finally a team or something.
In addition to training, Marion and Ren seem to be also getting along better after occasionally doing Tai Chi together and going on a special mission in Chinatown.
... When I think about how harsh it was at the beginning, it's unbelievable.
As for Doctor, he's locked in his lab as usual... or rather, he's there more than before, not sure what he's up to, though.
Haven't been used as a guinea pig much lately either, I wonder if he's into something...)

......

Uwoah!? It's from the guys...? Another turf war?

Hello? Yeah, what's up?
... Some newcomers broke into the territory? You don't know where they came from either, you say... Is that alright? Should I come check on you all?
Hm? You're following what self-defense class is teaching you? Aah, that thing that involves defending yourself from harm...?
And because of that you got in a minor scuffle... Even so, I'm still worried.
You're "fine", you say. Haha, you guys have also grown.
Still, if things get bad, call me. I'm always here if you need me.
Nah, no rule says we can't go out at night. Feel free to. You guys too, try not to be too reckless, got it?

... Because of the "Sector ranking", it's become a difficult world to live in for the delinquents.
They're probably guys who also lost the place they belonged to...
For a while it was also rough for North. Too heavy obligations are imposed on heroes...



Lily: Oh, Gast. Perfect timing.

Gast: Instructor Lily? Perfect timing, you say... you have something to tell me? 

Lily: I received an internal memo and was looking for you.

Gast: For me?

Lily: That's right. Have you heard about the upcoming shooting competition?

Gast: No, that's news to me...

Lily: Various competitions are held at HELIOS as part of improving technical capabilities...
This time, it's been decided to hold a shooting competition for heroes who use firearms and joined for not more than 5 years and personnel interested.

Gast: Heh? Heroes and personnel will participate in the same competition?

Lily: Yes. It's a tournament to test your shooting skills, so not using your hero ability is the policy.
The 13th and 12th generations are also eligible for it since they're included in the 5 years.
Since it does not impose a limit on the personnel, it'll be quite the enjoyable tournament, given once famous gun geeks will participate as well.

Gast: Any chance you're participating too, instructor Lily? If I'm not mistaken, you were also called "Shooting Queen" when you were a hero, right?

Lily: When I returned, I participated several times, but despite the many heroes I won a sweeping victory. My job is to train heroes, so now I refrain from participating.

Gast: I wanted to see instructor Lily completely victorious.

Lily: If chance should serve, I will show you... Now, that aside.
Since it's a tournament HELIOS is hosting, there won't be only "single competitions" that test your individual skills, but also "pair competitions" where you compete as a team.
I was notified by the mentors leader to enroll you and Ren in both categories.

Gast: Eh-, I will participate as well!?
I kind of get the single competition, but... what about the pair one?

Lily: It's a new category created a few years ago to put emphasis on teamwork among heroes.
Using drones as virtual enemies, the outcome is determined by the amount you'll disable within the time limit.
Of course we're not simply talking about defeating them, since attack procedures, coordination and all that comes with cooperation will also be subjected to point-addition and deduction.
Many heroes register to participate, but there will also be staff members who enjoy survival games, so we have to get all fired up, too. 

Gast: Cooperation, huh...

Lily: This is quite advantageous for you and Ren, no? There are many people who form teams just because they are in the same year or in the same sector, but you guys not only are in the same team but both of you use guns.

Gast: You think...?

Lily: By the way, I am the main referee for the pair competition. Depending on your results, the content for the technical guidance will be rigorous, so challenge it with that in mind.

Gast: Urkh...
After hearing all that, I feel I don't have the power to refuse. Well, it's not like I got any reason to.

Lily: It helps that you're quick to understand. If by any chance you were reluctant to participate, I would have had to persuade you until you said yes.

Gast: Haha...I don't even want to imagine that...

Lily: Once you have enter the competition, you can freely use the HELIOS shooting range. Discuss it with Ren and train whenever you want.
Later you will receive the details through Victor. Think of it as part of your training and work hard. I'm looking forward to your success.

Gast: Sure, I'll do my best......

(Ren and I as a pair has its advantages, you say...? And this happens right after realizing we lack cooperation.
Speaking of, did she already inform Ren?)

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