The massive weapon materialized before them. It wasn't just an anti-materiel rifle; it was a vintage Soviet monster designed to stop tanks.
"That's... that's not a gun. That's a piece of artillery," someone whispered.
"It's huge..."
"So heavy..."
Shana looked around at the team. "I don't think many people here can even lift this thing, let alone use it."
"Not it!"
"Count me out. No way."
"Out of the question for me."
"I don't even meet the STR requirements to pick it up," another admitted.
"Who do we have with high enough sniping and strength? Pito? Toma? M?" Shana mused.
"No way, not me!" Pitohui waved her hands. "If I carry that, I won't be able to carry any of my other guns!"
"I can't exactly carry a shield and a tank-killer at the same time," M added.
Every eye in the group slowly turned to Toma.
"No! Absolutely not! It's impossible!" Toma cried out.
"Hmm..." Shana turned to Eva. "Eva, you guys are a team. Why not have your highest STR player carry the thing, and let Toma handle the actual sniping?"
"I mean, it's an idea, but... Hey, Sophie, try picking it up."
Sophie walked over to the PTRD and groaned as she strained against the weight. She managed to lift it a few inches off the ground before nearly toppling over.
"It's... so... heavy..."
"Well, you lifted it. That's a start," Shana said. "Train hard, and when you think you're ready for it, come find me. I'll keep it in a locker at Mount Kurama for you until then."
"Th-thank you, Shana-san!" Sophie gasped, relieved to put the weight back down.
With the loot settled—and their pockets heavy with Gil and rare materials—the group began the journey back to the city in high spirits.
"Man, that was a blast!"
"Leader, what are we going to do with all this money? Can we go exchange some?"
"Hell yeah! Tonight, we party!"
"But the tournament is coming up. If we eat too much, we'll be sluggish..."
"Then just move more to burn it off!"
Nyangoro, listening to the six girls in Eva's squad, tilted his head. "What tournament is this?"
"Rhythmic gymnastics, Teacher!"
"Ho... maybe I'll come watch if I have the chance."
"Please do!"
Meanwhile, inside the 'Black' transport vehicle, Sinon was talking to Ikoma. "Hey, Ikoma-kun, do you think it's possible to make the Hecate II semi-auto?"
"I'm afraid that's asking too much of the hardware. Sorry..."
"I figured as much."
"The Hecate is pretty much at its peak performance as it is," Ikoma explained.
"I see. So the rest is just up to my skill."
"Exactly."
Finally, in the 'White' vehicle, Yamikaze was questioning Pitohui. "Hey, Pito. Were you serious about the lottery?"
"Totally serious, Yami-yami."
"That's insane... What did you spend the money on?"
"Uh... I actually don't know! It was just gone before I noticed!"
"Typical... You haven't bought any since?"
"Nah. You shouldn't rely on bubbles of luck like that."
"You're a weird one," Yamikaze laughed. "Crazy in the game, but weirdly grounded in real life."
The journey back was peaceful; no other players dared to ambush the group after seeing the boss go down.
"Alright, I'm going to put the vehicles away and return the rental. You guys head back to Mount Kurama first," Shana instructed.
"Wait, Shana," Sinon spoke up. "Can I practice parking? It seems like I'm the only one who can't drive yet."
Shana looked at Shizuka and Benkei. "What about you two?"
"Master made me practice ages ago," Shizuka said.
"Me too!" Benkei chirped.
"Alright then, Sinon. Let's get to work."
"Sorry to ask when you're tired."
"Don't worry about it."
The rest of the group headed back, leaving the two of them in the garage area. Under Shana's patient instruction, Sinon eventually managed to guide the car into the stall smoothly.
"How was that?"
"Good. That's more than enough for now."
"Yes!" Sinon did a small victory pump with her fist.
"You're very diligent, aren't you?" Shana remarked.
"I just hate being the only one who can't do something," Sinon admitted, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"A sore loser, then. Well, let's get back to the base."
They began walking through the city streets together.
"I feel eyes on us," Sinon whispered.
"Yeah. Looks like people are weighing whether or not to jump us. They won't try anything in the city, though."
"After the Rosalia incident, I'm not taking anything for granted."
"True..."
Unbeknownst to them, the internal fallout from the Rosalia incident had been massive among the player factions. With the shadow manipulations of Sterben and Noir gone, a new unspoken rule against such dishonorable tactics had taken hold. They were safe, but caution was never a bad thing.
"By the way," Sinon said, her voice dropping a bit, "Eiko, Mii, and Shiina said they wanted to see you."
"Oh? Well, if I have some free time, I could take them out somewhere."
"You know... you could just invite me out too," Sinon said softly.
Shana paused for a second. "...The five of us, then."
Sinon smiled, seemingly satisfied with that. "I'll take it."
When they arrived at Mount Kurama, the base was already in full swing. A victory banquet had erupted.
"Whoa, they really went all out," Shana laughed.
"It's a celebration! Come on!"
"Shana! We already toasted once, but we need the leader for the real one!"
Shana raised a drink, her voice carrying over the crowd. "Alright! To today's victory... Cheers!"
"CHEERS!"
The party raged on late into the night before players slowly began to log off. But as the last two to leave—Usushio Tarako and Yamikaze—stepped out of the base, a shadow moved.
Musketeer X was waiting.
-------------------------------
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