Oran Knight is out (2/3 chapters for today)
Frank Wants to Disassemble (2): Serial Number
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“Whoa, there’s a spring hidden in a place like this?” (Lamie)
“Oh, it’s not very noticeable, but it’s doing a good job.” (Frank)
“Hey? Shouldn’t you remove that part too? I think there’s a ring set in there.” (Lamie)
“Yeah, this part is delicate, so we’ll leave it for later. You get it, Lamie-senpai.” (Frank)
My beloved gun, Counter, was entrusted to Frank for maintenance. Even though I knew it was being disassembled for maintenance, watching it being taken apart piece by piece was still a bit nerve-wracking.
“Hmm, the magic transmission line in the barrel is spiraled, not straight?” (Lamie)
“That’s what makes this Counter gun innovative. It’s tricky to balance the magic, which is why it’s not widely adopted, but this might be the first gun to use it. This is the key point that allows for such long-range shots.” (Frank)
Frank seemed fascinated, even when speaking to Rami-senpai using a mixture of polite language and casual speech.
“Hey, Frank, shouldn’t you replace this metal fitting?” (Lamie)
“Of course. I think using a new steel plate here would improve performance. What do you think, Lux?” (Frank)
Being suddenly asked for my opinion, all I could say was, “Oh, yeah”.
Similarly, Saras-senpai and Bianca sat quietly like borrowed cats, watching in amazement as Frank and Lamie-senpai exchanged technical talk rapidly.
“This part is pretty worn out too. Lux, have you been maintaining it properly?” (Frank)
“I have, but… I can’t disassemble it to this extent. Honestly, I don’t have the confidence to put it back together in its current state.” (Lux)
My grandpa could have done more adjustments by taking it apart, but I had already parted ways with him before learning that much. I could only do basic maintenance.
“Well, I guess that’s understandable. But it’s impressive you could still snipe accurately with it.” (Frank)
“Is it really that bad?” (Lux)
“Yeah. If it were a mass-produced gun, I’d recommend replacing it. Many of the parts are worn out, but despite that, it still performs remarkably well. It’s a gun worthy of respect.” (Frank)
Being praised for my beloved gun didn’t feel bad. At the same time, I vowed to maintain it better in the future. Though, I couldn’t do it alone. I should rely on a professional like Frank.
“Frank, your skills are amazing. You’re fast and precise, and you handle the important parts delicately. Can I ask you to maintain my gun next time too?” (Lamie)
To impress someone like Lamie-senpai, who is a sniper rifle enthusiast, speaks volumes. Frank’s love for guns must be genuine.
“Sure, but could you ask Bear-senpai to let me use the workshop a little more often?” (Frank)
“Oh, if Lamie says it’s the real deal, then, it must be so. I’ll help convince him too, so could you take care of my beloved gun as well?” (Saras)
Not only had his skills been recognized, but he also had the opportunity to tinker with a rare gun, and although Frank said bluntly, “Well, that’s fine”, his expression looks pleased.
As I watched, old parts were being replaced one after another.
“Frank, once the maintenance is done, how much will the performance improve?” (Lux)
I asked, intrigued.
“Hmm, the condition was really bad, but if this thing can show its true potential, I think we can expect a considerable performance boost. I wouldn’t say twice as much, but distance, power, and speed should all improve significantly.” (Frank)
Those words made Bianca jump in shock.
“That long-range gun… twice as powerful…” (Bianca)
She muttered, probably trying to figure out how to beat me.
“The speed in particular will change a lot. It was pretty dirty, so I think the magic flow will be much smoother than before.” (Frank)
That’s seriously impressive.
I was getting excited, eager to try it out immediately.
…Oh, right! I had almost forgotten! I was also supposed to check the serial number!
I told Frank, and he replied.
“I remember, just wait a bit.” (Frank)
With that, I had nothing more to say. I sat quietly, watching the work. As Lamie-senpai praised him, Frank’s dexterity was indeed remarkable. He carefully cleaned the small parts, applied grease, and put them back in place.
After more than two solid hours of work, Frank muttered.
“Alright.” (Frank)
“Almost done?” (Lux)
“Yeah, just need to assemble it. Now, let’s check that serial number you’ve been waiting for.” (Frank)
As he said this, Frank began disassembling the part of the gun we were told where the serial number was hidden in. It was at the very back, in the shock-absorbing part known as the stock. Apparently, the serial number was engraved in the metal part connecting the stock to the main body. That was an unusual place.
Honestly, I wondered why it was placed there, but according to Lamie-senpai, there was a time when it was trendy among craftsmen to engrave the serial number as a ‘hidden feature’.
“Now then, what number do we have here?” (Frank)
Frank cheerfully split the stock in two, and then…
“…Huh? What’s this?” was all he said.
Hearing that, we all stood up and looked over the table where Frank was working. What we saw. The number engraved into the rough, dark metal, no matter how many times we looked at it, was…
‘000.’
—
A brief silence followed the number ‘000.’
“…What does this mean?” (Bianca)
Bianca’s words echoed in the small room. And silence fell again.
“There aren’t many explanations, but…” (Lamie)
Lamie-senpai paused and looked at me.
“Lux, you said you inherited this from your grandfather, right? May I ask your grandfather’s name?” (Lamie)
“Ah, yes. It’s Ros. Fort Ross.” (Lux)
“Fort Ross-dono, right? …Lux, if you’re okay with it, could I investigate your grandfather?” (Lamie)
“What do you mean?” (Lux)
Frank interrupted my question.
“In other words, this gun is a prototype… the 51st gun that technically shouldn’t exist. Or rather, it’s the 0th gun.” (Frank)
Lamie-senpai, who had been looking at Frank, nodded deeply.
“Having seen such a legendary gun, I can’t suppress my curiosity about how it came into your grandfather’s possession. If, by chance, it would bring any dishonor to your grandfather, I swear I’ll only tell you and no one else. What do you think?” (Lamie)
Seeing Lamie-senpai’s serious expression, I nodded slightly.
“…Alright. I’m curious too, so please let me know if you find anything.” (Lux)
“Ah. I appreciate it.” (Lamie)
“Appreciate?” (Lux)
“Of course! Not only did I get to see such a rare gun, but I also have the chance to learn its history!!” (Lamie)
Lamie-senpai raised both hands to the sky, gazing upwards.
Seeing this, Frank muttered.
“…Lamie-senpai, you really know what you’re talking about.” (Frank)
And thus, thanks to the collaboration of these two enthusiasts, the door to the mystery hidden within my beloved gun Counter had been pried open a little.
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