whether it’s multiple machines or special defense weapons, the National Defense Force currently assumes some casualties when dealing with large types, so the data showing that I was able to take down multiple large types single-handedly – and without damage – should be treated as very valuable data.
Of course, this is just my opinion based on the limited knowledge I gained from a bit of research before enrollment, and it’s possible that taking down large types single-handedly has become normal now, but I’d like to think it’s still not a bad result.
Ignoring such wishful thinking and pointing out concerns simply as a test pilot, I think incendiary rounds are convenient for dealing with small types, but caution is needed regarding the area affected by the attack.
We don’t want to end up with a ridiculous situation like [I sniped the enemy but also caught allies in the blast].
If I were to add something, it might be worth preparing armor-piercing rounds for single-target sniping, or maybe even directly adapting a tank turret.
The problem, as expected, is when the distance is closed. We’ll consider the case of large types later, but we should anticipate situations with medium or small type monsters.
If it’s a situation where I can flee at full speed, there’s no problem, but if there are friendly forces around and I can’t retreat alone, I could quickly find myself in a tight spot.
To solve this, we’d need to prepare close-combat weapons or machine gun-like weapons.
In that case, adding the weight of weapons to an already heavy machine, plus the difficulty of switching from long-range sniping to close combat, might make it hard to evaluate as a mass-production model.
“If it’s just about lining up for sniping, it’d be faster to line up heavy tanks with modified cannons.
Well, my job is just to report.
Let’s leave what comes after to them and my future self.
“I think that’s about it for now. Since it’s the first time, I’m sure there are things I’ve overlooked, but can I leave those adjustments to you?”
“Oh, uh, understood.”
Hm? Is he flustered? Did he get discouraged because there were many problems? Sure, there were various issues, but that’s to be expected with a prototype. More importantly, it’s great that we discovered these problems in a safe simulator rather than in actual combat where a single mistake could be fatal.
What’s wrong? Smile, mechanic.
✱✱✱
(What the hell is going on?!)
Takafumi was screaming internally as he watched Keita, who was abnormally mouthing the contents of the report while effortlessly flying around the battlefield and sniping monsters in the simulator.
Indeed, what Keita was doing matched the behavior described in the documents they had provided as a manual for the hybrid type. But that was merely [behavior theoretically possible according to catalog specs], in other words, [what this machine should be capable of] – nothing more than the ideals of the creators scribbled down.
In reality, movement stops during firing, and recoil throws off the center of gravity. Side jumps aren’t impossible, but they put strain on the legs upon landing. There’s no way the pilot inside would be safe if they fired while landing, then jumped again before confirming if the shot hit.
Yes, ideals are just ideals, and yet Keita’s control of the hybrid type was exactly what Takafumi and the development staff had envisioned…
“I think that’s about it for now. Since it’s the first time, I’m sure there are things I’ve overlooked, but can I leave those adjustments to you?”
Keita’s voice snapped Takafumi out of his daze.
(About it? What does he mean by ‘about it’?)
The content Keita reported included the completion of the programmed curriculum in the simulation, identification of problems found during the simulation along with improvement suggestions, and detailed numerical values related to adjustments – all things that a mechanic would nod and say “understood” to.
Keita said this was just “for the first time,” but it seemed like the kind of information that would normally require at least five trials to compile into a report.
Faced with such a comprehensive report from the very first run, Takafumi could only manage a pathetic “Oh, uh, understood” while screaming (What the hell is going on?!) in his mind once again.
However, Takafumi wasn’t just any mechanic. As the president of an (eccentric) company, he recognized that the score Keita achieved and the problems he quickly identified were all essential pieces for completing the new model they had staked their company’s future on.
(We can do this. We really can!)
Basically, what the current National Defense Force wants in a machine isn’t something high-performance but expensive, requiring special parts or maintenance, or that only people with special talents can properly operate.
Rather, they want something with decent performance that anyone can use and is easy to mass-produce – in other words, high productivity.
Takafumi was well aware of this.
He understood, at least intellectually, that a good company is one that can produce what customers want, not just what the company itself wants to make.
However, engineers, being human, constantly harbor the desire to “create the best machine possible right now!”
Until now, they had compromised in the face of the reality of “needing to feed their employees.” …Frighteningly enough, Takafumi had thought he was compromising.
(But things are different now!)
They could now measure various parameters that they couldn’t before due to lack of suitable pilots, and they even had the pretext of “experimenting with a new model that might be adopted by the military” to justify pouring in money and effort without hesitation.
Of course, they would push all capabilities to their limits, check the behavior at those limits, and use that as a guide to aim even higher. Furthermore, by recording and digitizing Keita’s movements in detail, they might be able to make all mass-produced units capable of performing like Keita – though perhaps not to such an extreme degree – once production began.
(If that happens, the military – our customer – will demand the hybrid type!)
In other words, [we, who are currently not expected by anyone – in fact, even looked down upon – will become a company that others seek out].
(We have no choice but to ride this big wave!)
It was a moment when the romantic inclinations of Takafumi – no, of all the eccentric engineers at Mogami Heavy Industries – aligned with practicality.
“Hehehehehe”
Takafumi couldn’t help but let out a suspicious laugh as he imagined their much-ridiculed hybrid in-house product lining up on the battlefield, exterminating monsters.
“Oops! I can’t be doing this! But… hehehehehe”
He grinned while creating documents, then grinned again.
From an outsider’s perspective, his behavior was clearly that of a disturbed person, and Takafumi never realized that the scene of hybrid monstrosities lining up on the battlefield would be a nightmare for anyone with normal sensibilities.
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT GADGETIZEDPANDA.COM
2
“I heard about it. You. They stuck you with a monstrosity, didn’t they?”
“Don’t call it a monstrosity.”
Though I can’t deny it.
The one who approached me as soon as class ended, giving me a sympathetic look while making such a frivolous comment, was Miss Flowe… no, Miss Isotani. She had initially been confrontational because she was frustrated about losing to me in the entrance exam scores, but after the boss revealed that I was a victim of war, she sincerely apologized for her behavior. She’s a “young lady with a tough exterior but actually quite honest.”
While other students were still unsure how to interact with me – and to be honest, I was also unsure – this young lady alone had quickly closed the distance between us.
Apparently, her family belongs to the 6th Division, which protects the Kinki region, and they often collaborate with the 2nd Division, which I’ll likely be affiliated with. So she decided it would be beneficial to establish at least minimal communication with me to facilitate future cooperation.
It’s a calculated approach, but that’s how human relationships often work. I don’t mind engaging in conversation to this extent, so I went along with Miss Isotani’s intentions, resulting in us becoming acquaintances who can engage in small talk.
By the way, the reason I’ll be under the care of the 2nd Division is that the personnel officer from the 2nd Division was the one who processed my enrollment paperwork.
I’ve always thought that post-graduation assignments were decided by higher-ups anyway, so I have no complaints about potentially being assigned to the 2nd Division.
That being said, I would prefer a rear position if possible.
Anyway,
The poll is open again, please vote!!!
Also check out my friend Localizermeerkat for more LN translations!
BUY THE SOURCE MATERIAL TO SUPPORT THE AUTHOR !!!
Kindly click on the green button above and contribute to filling the green bar if you’re interested in having another LN from the request page translated. Also, every donation is being used to purchase the source material and to fund more English translations.
Please consider joining my Ko-Fi membership. By becoming a member, you’ll also gain access to 2-10 additional chapters of all of the novels from this site translated into English. Last but not least your support will also assist me in upholding the translation quality and speed. For more information, please follow the link.
Donation for faster release is always welcome
Additionally, I am now accepting translation requests.
