So, what kind of 'magic wand' are you looking for?

　"So what kind of magic wand are you looking for?" asked Zeke next to me, looking at the large number of wands displayed in the store.

I want a sniper's staff. I don't think I'll be using it very often, so I'd rather focus on performance than versatility.

You want it to be a sniper staff? Then how about this one?

　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that.

It's a little pricey, but it's a good wand for sniping. The maximum compression rate of magic power is higher than that of a normal magic wand, and the performance of the farsightedness crystal is also better.

　Zeke explained the details of the wand.
　When I received the wand, I tried to move it lightly.

...... Not bad.

　The weight, length, and thickness are all just right.
　It's not as bad as the BF28. It's not as fast as the BF28, but it's enough for competition or self-defense.

"Is it really for competition?

　Zeke asked.

You don't need a weapon if you're just trying to win a competition.

　Neither confirming nor denying. He neither confirmed nor denied, not because he was acting modestly, but because he really didn't know.

"Did you know that the kingdom of ...... has been smelling fishy lately?

　I ask in a whisper.
　I decided that this man, a legitimate son of House Falsion, would know a little about it.

"Yes. Well, it's that time of year. It's the usual time of year.

It's just that I want a weapon in case something like that happens.

...... I see.

　He might have sensed something, but he didn't go deep.
　This kind of distance is typical of aristocrats. He doesn't go into areas that smell dangerous without meaning to. You have good instincts.

"Why don't you give it a shot?

Can you ......?

"Yeah. This store has a space in the basement for that.

　I've just been wanting to try it out.
　Zeke leads me to a place where I can try it out. There was a staircase at the back of the store that led to the basement.

"Oh, Twight's here too.

　As they descended the stairs, they met up with Elysia and the others.
　Gran and Mize seemed to be accompanying Elysia on her shopping spree and stayed by her side.

"Is Elysia a test slayer?

"Yes. It's a little lighter than the weapons I've been using, so I want to make sure it's in good shape.

　Elysia said and started to swing lightly.
　I also tried out the sniper staff in the shooting area in the back. There was a target painted on the wall, and I fired three shots to see how it went.

"Hey, Twight.

　During the test shooting, Elysia called out to me.

"Since we're on the subject, why don't we try it out for real?

　Elysia said as she lightly lifted her sword.



　The rules are simple.



The rules are simple.

　◆ "The rules are simple," said Elysia as they faced each other.
　Gran, Mize, and Zeke, who were standing beside her, were also listening with interest.

We'll start the game at a distance from the wall. ...... I'll slash Toate, or Toate will shoot me. Either way, it's settled.

　Elysia pointed to the walls on either side of her and explained.
　The game will begin at the furthest point possible in this underground space. Elysia approaches to cut me, and I fire a bullet to stop her. If I can stop Elysia with the bullets from my sniper staff, I win. If you can avoid or block all of the bullets and take a swing at me, Elysia wins.

...... You're going to stop me, aren't you?

Of course. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that.

　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that," she said with a wry smile.

"...... Okay. I've been wanting to try this out in the field too.

　I'm not sure what to make of that. It seems that he still likes to compete.
　They each turned on their heels and took their starting positions.

　Looking around briefly, they noticed that the number of visitors had increased.
　They were watching our game with bated breath.
　I looked at a man in the crowd, a man with a large figure.

"Gran, give the signal.

"What, me?

"You have a loud voice.

　I've been looking at you for a while now," Elysia said, her gaze piercing my own.
　I'm not sure what to do. I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it's a good idea. ...... If you think this is just practice, you're in for a world of hurt.



"Begin!

　Gran announced the beginning of the battle in a loud voice.
　At the same time, I activate my D rank magic "Snipe". I fire the first shot.

"Sweet!

　Elysia gave a short bark and swung her sword.
　The blade and the bullet fought each other, and sparks flew. But Elysia's legs could not be stopped - the bullet was cut in half.

　--Is that another magic tool?

　It is very difficult to cut a snipe bullet with a normal sword. It might be possible with Elysia's skill, but her body doesn't seem to be under that much strain. It was probably due to the performance of the weapon, not her swordsmanship.

　She quickly loads the second shot.
　In the meantime, Elysia has quickly closed the distance.

　She fires a shot. But as she ran, Elysia twisted her wrist lightly--she simply sliced the blade back to catch the bullet.

　Her eyes widened at the unexpected sight.
　The next thing I know, Elysia is holding the blade to my neck.

I've won.

...... You're good, Elysia.

　The next thing I know, Elysia is holding the sword to my neck.
　The crowd around her applauded. Gran and the others were excited and jubilant.

"Well, that was a heated match!

"Yes. You know, I was a little scared ...... because I felt the spirit of the game was so strong that I didn't think it was practice.

　You can hear Gran and Mize talking.
　I'm not sure what to do.

I'm not sure what to do. ...... It's better than I thought. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　Elysia muttered as she looked at the sword she was holding.

I'm not sure what to make of it.

Yes. I remembered the scene where Farnese was dodging your bullets at the entrance exam of the Heroic Department. I've been practicing to see if I could copy you.

　Impressive technique. He must have continued to study steadily from the time he entered the school until now. I honestly admire your ambition.

"Well, then... let's do it again, shall we?

　Just when I was about to relax my shoulders, Elysia said.

The next time, Twite, you're going to have to come at me like you mean it.

　Hearing these words, the noisy basement became quiet again.
　The questioning voices of Gran and Mize, "What? The questioning voices of Gran and Mize reach my ears. 　

"...... Okay.

　Apparently, Elysia had sensed that we had cut some corners. The only other person who noticed was Zeke.

　I don't think you need to be that serious about a test shot,......, but Elysia is serious about her game. I think they need to really clash with each other to be convinced.

　Both of them took their positions again and looked at Gran.
　He shook his head nervously and opened his mouth wide.

"Begin!

　The second match had begun.
　The first exchange was no different from the first. I fired a bullet and Elysia cut it with her sword.

　Without pausing, I fire a second shot.
　Unlike the first time, this time I loaded faster. Elysia stops just before I get close and catches the bullet with her sword.

...... Are you trying to attack me with numbers?　You're not going to be able to stop me with that level of shallow thinking!

　Of course, I know that.
　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I've seen it before.
　Elysia tried to catch the third shot in the same manner as the first and second shots, but--!

"?

　Elysia caught the bullet, but could not kill the momentum and collapsed.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea.

　Pan!　With a small sound, the bullet hit Elysia in the forehead.
　I've been taking it easy on her, so she shouldn't be hurt. ...... It was an unexpected blow to Elicia, and she fell on her back.

　You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

I guess I won.

"...... What did you do?

I adjusted the weight of the bullets. I adjusted the weight of the bullets. I kept the first and second bullets light, but only the third was heavy.

　The first and second shots were light, and only the third shot was heavy." With that simple explanation, Elysia let out a sigh of understanding.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. You used that gap to fire the fourth shot.

That's what I'm talking about.

Oh, ......, how frustrating. I lost the psychological battle. ...... You've been there, done that.



　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

　The power of a bullet fired by a D rank magic "snipe" can be adjusted to some extent by the compression rate of the magic power.
　The maximum compression ratio of the Divine Hawk is quite high. This means that if you have enough time, you can prepare a very powerful bullet. However, it is still inferior to the BF28. After all this time, I realize what a superior weapon the BF28 was.

　After that, we each bought a weapon and left the store.