Oran Knight is out (2/3 chapters for today)
Lux, Revealed Once Again (2): Counter
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**Today’s Diary**
It might be expected since they’re at a military academy, but I think there are too many pushy women here. The same goes for Lulu-san, Lamie, and Bianca. Even Rita was quite assertive during the recruitment.
In the end, I was pushed by Lulu-sensei as well, and she agreed to witness the duel.
Nothing is going the way I thought it would this time. Life is difficult.
Later, when I went to Lamie-senpai and Bianca to secure an agreement that the duel would not be talked about, a condition was presented from their side. Not from Lamie-senpai, but from Saras-senpai. The condition was that “I also want to watch. I won’t talk about it”, which was acceptable to me, so I agreed on the spot.
The duel was scheduled for three days before summer vacation, during a half-day. This day is effectively a rest period for the noble’s summer vacation preparations, so the afternoon is free. In other words, today.
I’m tired today. I’ll write this quickly and go to bed early.
—
“Which would you prefer, the practical area or the city area?” (Lamie)
I was asked by Lamie-senpai.
“Either is fine.” (Lux)
I replied.
It’s not that I’m underestimating it, but since I’m not particularly familiar with either, there’s not much difference. To be honest, I don’t really mind losing, so there’s a bit of a feeling that it doesn’t matter. However, considering Rita-san and Lamie-senpai, who have high expectations of my skills, I have no intention of slacking off. Since Lamie-senpai didn’t have a particular preference either, it was decided to have the duel in the city area, which Bianca is good at.
There were only six of us in the city area – me, Bianca, Lamie-senpai, Salas-senpai, Rita-san, and Lulu-sensei – and even though it was still early in the day, it felt quiet and sad. Lulu-sensei stood with her arms crossed and spoke up.
“First-year students probably don’t know, so let me explain the rules of the duel. We’ll use these, paintballs, just like in the competition. The match is best-of-three, and the first to win two matches is the winner. Of course, if you get hit and try to deceive us, it’s an immediate loss. Also, the duelists will start from opposite ends of this area. You can use any weapon you like. Uh, is there anything else?” (Lulu)
Lulu-sensei looked at Rita-san.
“Nothing in particular… Oh, and it goes without saying that moving out of the area is prohibited. That’s about it. And since we have two instructors, me and Lulu, here and it will be a long-range sniper duel, let’s each have one instructor to observe.” (Rita)
“Alright, then I’ll be with Lux. Hmm? Do you have any complaints?” (Lulu)
Lulu-sensei looked at me.
No, there’s absolutely no dissatisfaction.
Rita-san smiled wryly.
“If you have no other questions, let’s start with a handshake. We’ll also give a handshake after we’re done. This is part of the training, and it is aimed to encourage mutual improvement. If any grudges remain, we’ll call it off. Is that alright with you two?” (Rita)
Bianca and I nodded and took a step forward to shake hands with each other.
“Alright, Lulu, once they reach the ends of the area, fire a blank shot. I’ll fire one back as a signal to start. The spectators can be anywhere as long as they don’t interfere or obstruct. When hit, fire three blank shots. Then, we’ll have 20 minutes to move. Got it? Well then, let’s begin.” (Rita)
With Rita-san’s declaration, my first duel began.
—
“Hey, Lux. What kind of sniping spots are you good at?” (Lulu)
While walking to the edge of the city area, Lulu-sensei asked.
“Originally, I lived by hunting, so I’m used to forests, but I don’t particularly have a specialty or weakness.” (Lux)
“I see. By the way, why didn’t you call Rita, sensei?” (Lulu)
“Because she wasn’t a sensei when I first met her.” (Lux)
“I see. That seems unfair. I don’t need a sensei either. Just Lulu-san is fine. Also, no need for excessive honorifics.” (Lulu)
For some reason, Lulu-sensei was picky about that.
“Alright, then Lulu-san.” (Lux)
I replied, which seemed to satisfy her.
What a strange person.
As Lulu-sensei asked about my encounter with Rita-san, we reached the edge of the city stage.
“Alright, then. Let’s get started.” (Lulu)
When Lulu-sensei fired the blank shot, I heard the sound of a blank shot fired in response from afar. That was the signal to start.
I immediately entered a nearby building and headed for the rooftop.
“Oh? What’s this? That’s too far for preparation, right? Are you planning an ambush? Quite sneaky, aren’t you?” (Lulu)
“Lulu-san, please be quiet for a moment.” (Lux)
I decided to treat Rulu-sensei roughly, thinking that it wasn’t good to be half-heartedly polite. Lulu-san didn’t get angry but rather snorted happily.
Once I reached the rooftop, I took out my favorite gun (Counter), attached the additional barrel for joint use, and set up the base legs. Then, I crouched down as if lying down and peered through the scope.
Climbing to a high spot as the initial move is like an instinct for a sniper. High places or spots close to the ground make me feel secure. It feels like our territory.
I assumed Bianca would also start by climbing the building. I silently waited for that moment. After a while, I saw Bianca climbing up a bit beyond the midpoint. The wind was blowing slightly from the right.
Alright.
Without hesitation, I pulled the trigger.
A moment later, three blank shots were fired from the other side.
—
“Alright.” (Lux)
I detached the connected barrel and putting it away.
Time to move for a bit.
At that moment, Rulu-sensei fired blank shots behind me. One, two, three, four, five shots.
“Hey, Lux. Temporarily stop. Let’s regroup.” (Lulu)
She said and quickly descended the building.
We gathered in the center of the city area. Paint was splattered all over Bianca’s right temple. She looked down, clearly frustrated.
“Rita. Change of rules. We’ll move and snipe from this location for 20 minutes. Sounds good?” (Lulu)
Lulu-sensei unilaterally declared.
“Fine, but I think an explanation is necessary.” (Rita)
Rita-san said with a wry smile, urging Lulu-sensei to explain.
“There’s nothing to explain. This isn’t a proper match. It’s a one-sided hunt.” (Lulu)
Bianca flinched at Lulu-sensei’s words. She didn’t even know where or how she was shot from.
“However, the one over there… Bianca, right? She should be given a chance as well. If you let someone like her handle such a thing (Counter), she might end up ruining a promising sniper’s future. Lux, you can use it as much as you want in actual battles, but for this duel, just put away that long barrel for now.” (Lulu)
Lulu-sensei’s eyes were serious.
“Understood.” (Lux)
I simply replied.
Rita-san looked at Rulu-sensei with a “See?” expression.
Lulu-sensei clicked her tongue softly and loudly declared.
“From Lux’s one victory, let’s start over!”
—
This time, with our backs turned, I start running at Lulu-sensei’s shout of “Start!”.
I had been hit without even knowing where or how the shot came from. I really didn’t understand, but according to Lulu-sensei’s words earlier, it seemed I was shot from an incredible distance.
I understood with that last shot. I don’t want to admit it, but Lux’s skills are probably overwhelmingly superior to mine. I can see why Lamie-senpai has taken an interest. It’s on a completely different level. But, since I’ve talked big, I can’t afford to lose without a fight.
Growing up in a military family, I’ve been handling guns since childhood. Generally, a sniper rifle shouldn’t be used while moving, but I can still aim somewhat even with that. First, I’ll try to identify the opponent’s position while creating confusion, and aim while moving.
With that thought, I didn’t enter the building but hid in an alleyway.
First, I’ll fire a shot from here and observe the opponent’s reaction. If he shoots back, that would be a bonus. I’ll move to a favorable position while keeping them at bay.
Just as I was thinking that, a blank shot was fired. The 20-minute movement time had elapsed. I slightly exposed my body from the corner of the alley and looked through the scope to aim at a suitable target.
At that instant, the second paintball hit me squarely on the forehead.
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