However, normally it’s not an industry where new entries can easily join. After all, until now, the manufacture and development of machines had been monopolized by companies called large corporations.
Specifically, standard types were monopolized by major companies like Mitsubishi and Hitachi, while beast types were dominated by companies like Kaizaki and Kida. This made it difficult for new companies to enter the market; in fact, the situation was such that they couldn’t enter at all.”
But the world situation didn’t allow their monopoly to continue. With counteroffensive operations in Asian countries and the fall of the Korean Peninsula, the supply couldn’t keep up with the demand for weapons.
So when the military requested companies with core technologies to newly participate, Mogami-san’s company and a few others eagerly raised their hands, apparently wanting to not only manufacture parts but also build machines.
After several years, Mogami-san’s company completed their first prototype… Normally, no matter how much money was paid, they wouldn’t allocate a test machine developed and assembled in such a short period to a student at the military school, who are considered golden eggs.
However, due to the annihilation of the 3rd Division two years ago, they couldn’t afford to say that anymore.
The upper echelons, certain that there would be a shortage of forces for national defense and reinforcement of the expeditionary force, decided to provisionally operate the prototype built by Mogami Heavy Industries, thinking that if it could be used even a little…
The reason I was allocated this machine, when I should have gotten a better one, well, it’s because the other students are tied to their respective military factions, so they couldn’t allocate a suspicious-looking prototype to them.
In that respect, I’m convenient. I’m a complete civilian from head to toe.
There’s no family to complain about being given a weird machine, nor is there any family to complain if I die. Of course they’d pass the experimental machine to me.
And for Mogami Heavy Industries, if they can test it in actual combat, they probably want to do it as soon as possible.
Considering that official adoption might be decided based on the results, it’s understandable that they’re in a hurry.
I can understand why they would push to go to the battlefield, considering the company’s operations.
The problem is why I have to be involved in this.
In the first place, my wish is not to go to the battlefield and make a splendid achievement.
I’d be satisfied if I could work in the rear, away from the hell of the main battlefield where you’re exposed to life-threatening danger at the same time as you can gain achievements, doing just enough work to avoid demotion or punishment.
Specifically, I’d be thrilled if I could be assigned to the 6th Division that oversees the Kinki region, or the 8th Division that oversees Shikoku. That’s how much I don’t want to go to the battlefield.
So why on earth do I have to be under the care of the elite 2nd Division that continues to fight on the frontline in Kyushu? Yes, I heard about it. I heard about it from Isotani-san.
Still, it’s weird to send a student to the frontline. Use your own machine operators!
The people of the 2nd Division would be troubled too if a student who just entered military school was training with a new model behind them!
I tried saying all sorts of things like this, but unfortunately, at this point, I didn’t yet know how scary adults can be when they’re serious.
“Don’t worry. Even I don’t intend to take a student to the battlefield.”
“Huh?”
But I’m here right now, aren’t I?
“You’re not a student. At least not while you’re here.”
“Huh?”
What the hell is this guy talking about?
“You look confused. First, check your student ID. That should clear things up.”
“Student ID?”
As everyone knows, a student ID has always been a form of identification for students, past and present.
But as of the year 2056, it’s no longer a physical card. It only exists as digital data, accessible via the smartphone issued by the military academy.
So, he wants me to take a look? Well, if that’s what it takes to get some answers, I guess I’ll check it.
“Nothing particularly… Wait, what?”
Half out of frustration, I pull it up, and of course, it lists the usual: my photo, name, and birthdate.
But the next section is where it gets interesting.
“…Second Division – Special Duty Second Lieutenant?”
“Congratulations, Lieutenant.”
“What?!”
This isn’t even about graduation. It’s been just one month since I enrolled, and I’ve already been promoted.
Though technically, it’s not exactly a promotion.
I’ve been made a “Special Duty” Second Lieutenant, after all.
Special Duty means that under normal circumstances, I still operate at my original rank (which, in my case, is equivalent to a cadet special lieutenants). However, when on special assignments, I am treated as a full-fledged Second Lieutenant.
Basically, a conditional lieutenant. The condition, of course, being…
“You can’t become a full Second Lieutenant until you’ve completed officer training. But by accumulating experience as a test pilot here, you’ll either graduate as a Second Lieutenant or be promoted to Special Duty First Lieutenant. Once again, congratulations, Kawakami.”
So they’ve already set this up, huh? I get it now… Or not!
Damn it! I seriously underestimated this old man and Mogami Heavy Industries.
Sure, it’s a new company entering the defense industry, but there’s no way they don’t have connections or money. Using those, it’s easy enough to pull some strings and send a cadet like me to the frontlines as a Special Duty officer.
And once I’m officially a Second Lieutenant, even with the Special Duty label, rank is absolute in the military.
There’s no more hiding behind the excuse of being a student once I’m on the battlefield.
“So… what exactly am I supposed to be testing?”
“Good, you adapt quickly. First, we’ll start with some mobility and deployment training. Head to the hangar and retrieve your unit. Then, move to the designated location.”
“…Understood.”
––And so, I learned the terrifying power of those with money and influence, while being thrown into a battlefield, albeit in a rear position, for my so-called “training.”
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT GADGETIZEDPANDA.COM
3
The designated test site for the new model is along the coast near Itoshima City in Fukuoka.
Lock target in the center and… shoot.
✱Kaboom!✱
Lock another target in the center… shoot.
✱Splat!✱
Again, center… shoot.
✱Bang!✱
Switch weapon types… shoot.
✱Swoosh!✱
After confirming no allies were nearby, I switched to incendiary rounds and fired at a cluster of smaller targets.
✱Rat-a-tat-a-tat-a-tat-a-tat!✱
I keep shooting and shooting at the monsters crossing the Sea of Japan and making landfall.
If they counterattack, I dodge. Actually, I dodge before they even get the chance to counterattack.
Even monsters won’t just sit there and take it when being attacked from a distance.
They hurl stones or fire beams of light back at me.
Naturally, those attacks are aimed where the artillery fire originated — in other words, where I am.
✱Whoosh!✱
“Too slow.”
But, of course, I’m no longer there. I’m not just sitting around.
Fire and move. That’s basic sniper protocol.
That said, jumping is faster than running.
I need to learn how to land without damaging the joints, though.
It might be easier if I had some wire anchors to adjust my time in the air.
I’ll ask for them later.
This is probably the kind of experience you can only get in real combat. I’ll make sure to report this later.
But for now…
“Take this!”
When there’s an opening, I keep shooting, shooting, and shooting.
✱Boom!✱
I fired a shell back at the monster that had attacked me. It was a medium-sized one, about six meters tall, so it was easy to spot even from a distance.
If everything’s going according to simulation, then…
Wait a minute.
This is way beyond training, right?
This is actual combat, isn’t it? I’m literally taking part in a beach landing defense operation!
Wasn’t this supposed to be rear-line training?
Sure, we’re keeping our distance from the enemy, so maybe this ✱is✱ technically the rear…
but usually, “rear” means “behind friendly lines,” doesn’t it?
Oh, I’ve got another shot.
“Hah!”
✱Splat!✱
I don’t have time to comment on every little thing out loud.
But I’m pretty sure the Second Division soldiers behind me are watching in shock. That’s just my imagination… right?
“If you keep fighting on your own, the enemy might close the gap. Leave the rest to the Second Division. Scatter some incendiary rounds and retreat. Can you fire with both hands?”
“I can.”
I mean, that’s what happens when you send a long-range sniper unit into solo combat, right?
I appreciate the order to fall back before things get too dangerous,
but honestly, this isn’t something that should be classified as training.
What’s going on here?
Well, if they close in, things will definitely get tricky, so I’ll shoot without hesitation.
“Take this!”
Instead of precisely aiming, I scatter the rounds… like this! Exciting!
✱Boom-boom-boom-boom-boom!✱
Nice. They’re on fire.
“Target hit. Falling back.”
I’m already retreating before the shells land, but I got the order, so it’s all good!
Time to charge backwards at full speed!
…Running on four legs is still tricky.
I’m starting to think it’s impossible to fully control the upper body while sprinting.
Yeah, I’ll have to report this too.
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