The day after the entrance ceremony.
I have officially become a student at Babylon Machinist Girls' Academy. Today, the classes to become a “Machinist Trooper” begin.
As is typical for a Machinist Academy, we started with a lecture called “Basic Armed Gear Training.”
To put it simply, it’s a lecture to learn the basic knowledge needed to operate an Armed Gear.
Since I had the chance to ride it once with Principal Quun, I somewhat understood what the teacher was saying. The things being discussed were the basics of the basics.
Students who had never ridden an Armed Gear, probably commoners, were listening seriously, while students from noble families like Lirisha, Carol, and Shelly were listening with bored expressions as if saying, “I know this already.”
Then, right after the lecture, we immediately started with the boarding training.
That said, we went out to the large sports field, rode on somewhat outdated Armed Gears, and just walked them for about twenty meters.
One by one, each student took their turn riding, walking according to the instructor’s guidance. Most students were able to walk without any issues, but some stopped halfway, and others lost their balance and fell over.
Since I had ridden it once before, I could walk it with ease without much difficulty.
There was no awkwardness in movement like when I first rode the Achilles. Maybe it’s because it’s an old model that doesn’t use much magic power? I only used magic power during the initial startup.
To be honest, I felt unsatisfied. I wanted to walk it more or even run with it...
We had changed into our gym uniforms to ride the Armed Gears and were sitting at the edge of the field, lazily watching other students walk the antique Armed Gears.
“Well, as the lecture said earlier, Armed Gears haven’t changed much since they were developed 300 years ago, huh?”
“Well, in terms of performance and safety, they’ve evolved compared to the past, but the basic structure remains the same. Apparently, when they were completed 300 years ago, they were almost perfect already. After that, it all depends on the rider, though.”
In response to my mumbled remark, Carol, who was sitting next to me, replied with those words.
“But, isn’t it true? The Armed Gear was developed with the help of our Academy’s Principal, right?”
“Huh!?”
At Shelly’s words, I involuntarily raised my voice. Principal Quun?
Apparently, the Armed Gear was created by improving the Golems, which the Dwarves originally made for civil engineering work, and combining them with the technology of Frame Gears.
It seems Principal Quun wasn’t the one who developed the Armed Gear, but he worked alongside the development team to create the second and third-generation Armed Gears.
To excavate and refurbish ancient magical relics like Golems and Frame Gears, and combine them with modern magic engineering to advance them, I think that’s a really impressive achievement.
Come to think of it, Principal Quun seemed to have made the Armed Gear on his own... That Achilles model, at first it was difficult to handle, but once I got used to it, it became easier to ride. I wonder if I could ride it again.
After finishing the basic training on the Armed Gear, we changed from our gym uniforms to our school uniforms and left the school building.
Today’s classes were only in the morning, and in the afternoon, we had free time.
“Ah, over here!”
When we arrived at the meeting spot, Lara was waving her arms energetically.
By the way, during the earlier class, Lara and I were in different lecture rooms. Since there were too many first-year students, they split us into two groups based on whether we were from the Eastern or Western continent. The sports field was also separated like that. This academy is really vast...
In the afternoon, Lara and I planned to check out the bazaar, but the venue was on the opposite side of the sports field where we had our practical class. This academy has four sports fields, after all...
When we become upperclassmen, there will also be classes where we ride actual Frame Gears, so it’s probably dangerous if it’s too small. I get the feeling that there’s probably a magical barrier as well. I’m sure the safety measures are solid.
“Lara, do you have anything you want to buy?”
“If there’s a cheap Magic Engine, I’d like to buy it. I’ve always wanted to make my own Ether Vehicle.”
The Magic Engine is the part that powers the self-driving car, the Ether Vehicle. It’s the heart of the Ether Vehicle.
Actually, getting a Magic Engine and making your own Ether Vehicle is kind of amazing, right?
“Lara, could it be that you’re aiming to be a ‘Magic Engineer Meister’ rather than a ‘Machinist Trooper’?”
“Yes! I will also obtain the qualification of a Machinist Trooper, but my main goal is to become a Frame Gear Magic Engineer Meister. I want to try assembling a Frame Gear from scratch...”
Wow, that’s an amazing goal. To become a Frame Gear Magic Engineer Meister, it’s said that having the Machinist Trooper qualification would be advantageous.
Those who build the gears need to consider the rider’s perspective, apparently, but studying both is probably going to be quite difficult.
In Lara’s case, it seems like the Magic Engineer Meister path is her main focus, so she might not need to excel as much in the Machinist Trooper side of things.
On the other hand, it also means that even Machinist Troopers need to understand the structure of the Frame Gear well. Otherwise, they won’t be able to respond quickly to issues or keep fighting if the gear breaks down during battle without knowing the cause.
“Whether it’s a weapon or armor, ‘Neglecting the things you entrust your life to is the act of a fool,’ as my master always says.”
I’ll need to study too...
As I was thinking about these things, the number of people passing by gradually increased.
Not only students of the academy, but also commoners? Although they are all women. It seems that for a male to enter a girls' school, they need a valid reason and go through a detailed process.
“Whoa...”
Finally, we arrived at the grounds, where many people were selling various items, filling the space.
From everyday necessities to real Armed Gears, there was a wide variety of things on display. This is amazing. My excitement started to rise.
As expected, the first thing I noticed was the Armed Gear!
I ran toward a blue Armed Gear that was placed nearby.
With its squat form, it had a rectangular shield attached to its left arm. The many small scratches on the machine gave off a feeling of a seasoned warrior.
“Welcome. This is a customized model of a Tsimac company unit. It has over 300 victories in total. It’s a bit slow, but it’s incredibly durable. The maneuverability isn’t bad, so I think it’s perfect for first-year students.”
An older sister, about eighteen, sitting next to the blue Armed Gear, gave me that explanation. She was a current student... or maybe an alumnus since she wasn’t in uniform.
This Armed Gear was probably her beloved machine. It certainly was a solid and reliable unit.
“By the way, how much is it?”
“Surprisingly, it’s only two platinum coins.”
So expensive! Wait, is that cheap? Even a new one would cost at least ten platinum coins... If it’s secondhand, but at a 20% discount, then maybe it’s incredibly cheap. Judging from my expression, the older sister must have realized I couldn’t afford it and shifted her gaze to Lirisha, who was standing next to me.
“How about you, young noblewoman?”
“Me? Well, my family is sending me one, so...”
“Oh, so you're a high-ranking noblewoman.”
The older sister gave a wry smile at Lirisha’s words.
Basically, commoners can’t afford to buy it, and even nobles, if they’re high-ranking, have the financial power to purchase a new one. The older sister’s target seems to be lower or middle-ranking nobles who can’t quite afford the newest models.
Of course, the latest model of the Armed Gear has better performance.
And the latest model of the Armed Gear is the one sold by the academy.
After all, the magical city’s central hub is backed by the royal family. The newest models created in the principality are prioritized for the academy.
In other words, the Armed Gears that current students buy with their G-gear are the latest models.
Even if Lirisha were to get a new model from the market, the Armed Gear she bought from the academy with G-gear might actually perform better.
After all, it’s an officially approved machine from the cutting-edge Brunhild.
However, since academy Armed Gears can’t be bought with cash, the only option is to buy the latest models from the market. It takes time to save up G-gear, after all.
This blue Armed Gear was the latest model a few years ago, and by now, it must have accumulated a lot of experience data. It’s not necessarily inferior to the newest models. Considering that, it could be considered a bargain at that price.
That said, I obviously couldn’t afford it.
Well, if I drained my savings, I could technically buy it...
But the old Armed Gear we used for class without learning functions is probably sold at a low price. If I had to use a machine like that, though, I’d rather rent a normal model...
I bid farewell to the older sister with the blue Armed Gear, and we continued walking through the bazaar.
“Oh, marquetry. This is a good item.”
Carol’s eyes sparkled as she held a wooden small box. It’s a box with a unique pattern, huh?
“Marquetry?”
“It’s a craft where various types of wood are combined to create a design. I’ve never seen such a beautiful piece before.”
“Oh, really? I don’t really understand it, though.”
“Do you understand? This marquetry is a masterpiece made by a renowned artisan from Misumido. It’s not something you can easily come by.”
The stall owner, an older woman, spoke with delight. Mismede... The country ruled by Beast Kings with beastmen and demi-humans. This woman also has beast ears and a tail. Is she a wolf demi-human?
“Normally, this would cost more than two gold coins, but since it’s to celebrate your entrance, I’m offering it for just one gold coin...”
“I’ll buy it!”
“That was fast!”
I was a little surprised by Carol’s decisiveness. A small box for one gold coin? I still think that’s expensive. The difference in money sense between nobles and commoners is something I really feel here.
“Hm?”
Without thinking, I glanced at the next stall, and there, I saw something unbelievable.
Hah?! That’s the revival edition of the Frame Gear plastic model from ten years ago, said to be a phantom!
And not just any model—this is the Valkyrie model from the early series! It’s the extermination artillery Frame Gear, Grimgerde, said to have been ridden by the Queen Consort Leen, Director Qoon’s mother! And it’s at such an affordable price?! I-I must buy this!
As I quickly reached for the plastic model box, a hand from the side reached out at the same time, and we both grabbed the box at once.
Holding the same box, Lirisha and I glared at each other.
“Let go.”
“No.”
Neither of us would back off, pushing each other’s body.
“Noble ladies like you shouldn’t make plastic models!”
“What nonsense! Plastic models are a legitimate hobby for nobles! Do you even understand the value of this kit?!”
“I understand! I couldn’t buy it when it was on premium sale! I’m making this kit!”
“Hah?! If you make it, the value of the kit will decrease! I, I will make it into a masterpiece!”
Grrr...! No! If we keep fighting like this, the box will get crushed! I can’t ruin this beautiful box art!
I met Lirisha’s eyes. It seemed she came to the same conclusion.
““Rock-paper-scissors!””
I formed a fist. Lirisha made a flat hand.
“I lost!”
“I won!”
I collapsed onto the ground, hands on my face in despair, while Lirisha raised the plastic model box triumphantly above her head.
Damn it! Has the heavens forsaken me?! God is dead!
“What are you two doing...”
Shelly’s voice, filled with disbelief, fell upon me as I wallowed in misery.
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