I became a heart-stealing thief in Azure Files

Yuriko really intends to move to Xialai from now on and spend most of her time there.

However, after thinking about it for a while, Amamiya felt that this was not unreasonable.

"Azuko wants to check on the progress of Arius's team's new weapon customization, right? I'll contact Yuriko right away..."

Amamiya took out her phone and sent a MomoTalk message to Yuriko.

[Amamiya: How's the weapon customization progress for Arius's squad?]

[Yuriko: We're able to 'operate normally' now.]

[Yuriko: Sensei, if you have time, you can go to the gun workshop downstairs to pick up the goods now. I'm here right now.]

Perhaps due to the "cyber server" of [Albatross], Yuriko's replies to messages are never delayed.

Amamiya put away his phone and nodded to Azuko, who was already looking forward to it and ready.

After taking the elevator all the way to "Fox Workshop," which is located right next to the "Angel 24" convenience store, Amamiya immediately noticed the "fox logo biting a wrench," which was newly added compared to yesterday, as well as the serious military-style paint job of the surrounding area.

Seeing the familiar yellow sign with a red “Safe Entry/Exit” warning, Amamiya felt a sense of familiarity, reminiscent of when he visited Shibuya, Tokyo, and browsed the “Survival Game Specialty Store” run by Munehisa Iwai.

These safety signs, and the stylized paintwork around them... Although there is no concrete evidence, after observing them, Amamiya still has a sense of déjà vu that 'this is definitely Maki's work'.

Standing at the door, Amamiya observed the automatic door, which was slightly different from "Angel 24".

'The security check procedures are quite strict... Is it to prevent situations where explosives or other dangerous materials that could cause various consequences are brought in?'

Amamiya carried no weapons, while Akiko, by putting down her "Scorpio," disarmed herself completely.

After easily passing through the security checkpoint, the explosion-proof glass door opened to both sides with a hiss.

Before Amamiya even stepped inside, he saw a room resembling an armory from the movie "John Wick".

Some parts of the walls have a perforated panel design, and various light weapons that do not have any firearm function and are only displayed as models are neatly hung on these perforated panels;

The room's overall lighting wasn't particularly abundant; the dim lighting actually created a luxurious yet understated sense of professionalism.

The gun accessory racks are neatly categorized and quite detailed;

The gun parts inside the counter were neatly arranged;

The moment Amamiya stepped into the room, the lighting devices were activated one by one with a 'ding' sound.

A black-haired girl with fox ears, holding a tablet with a Millennium Technology logo, leaned back in an ergonomic chair, spun half a circle around, and greeted everyone with a smile.

"Welcome, Sensei... and Akiko-san."

It's been a short while since I last saw Yuriko, and she seems to have matured a little... Is that just my imagination?

After carefully observing Yuriko's fox tail, which seemed to have become a little fluffier, Amamiya looked away before the girl became wary.

After surveying his surroundings, Amamiya sighed sincerely, "This is..."

"A 'Gunsmith Workshop' designed in the style of Yuriko Koike?"

"The simple and professional style... is very comfortable."

Yuriko twitched her fox ears and asked with a smile, "Won't this clash with Sensei's 'phantom thief aesthetics'?"

Amamiya shook his head: "Aesthetic styles may clash, but that doesn't mean they are absolutely incompatible."

【~???~】(Yuriko)

"So...Sensei came for Akiko-san's weapon, right?"

"Please come with me."

Yuriko stood up, and with her movement, a slightly glowing crack appeared behind the counter.

Amamiya and Akiko bypassed the counter and followed Yuriko into the back room of "Fox Workshop".

The arrangement of various facilities here has less of a commercial feel, but it makes them seem even more precious.

Yuriko came to a mostly empty shelf, tiptoed and wagged her tail, and reached down a silver-gray equipment case painted with the Charlene logo from the top shelf.

"This is a new weapon prepared for Yazuko."

Yuriko placed the equipment case flat on the table and, while unlocking it, explained, "The SA58 weighs over 3kg unloaded. Without the suppressor, it's 527mm with the stock folded. It's a bit larger and heavier than the 'Scorpio' that Yazinko is currently using."

As soon as he finished speaking, the equipment box was opened, and a brand-new weapon appeared in front of Amamiya and Akiko.

"Using .308win, 20-round magazines, it trades greater stopping power and penetration of simple cover at close range by using larger, heavier, full-power rifle rounds."

After the introduction, Yuriko stepped aside, gesturing for Azuko, who was watching the scene with great curiosity, to come over and pick up her new weapon.

Yajin took a deep breath, and then slowly approached with a rather ceremonial expression.

"so beautiful……"

Her eyes gleamed as she gazed at the weapon reflected in the light inside the equipment box, and she murmured a sigh before reaching out to touch it.

For Azuko, a girl who previously lived in the shadows and moss, bound by Arios's suffocatingly desperate environment, but is now standing in the sunlight and 'reborn'...

Firearms have a price, but the feeling of being complete and recognized when acquiring a new weapon is, for the girl, like being reborn.

This emotion, this hope and happiness for the future... is truly a "priceless treasure" for the young girl.

Therefore, when Ajinko reaches out to touch it, she experiences a sense of ritual, as if on a pilgrimage.

Akiko stroked the gun as if it were a precious object, and then took it out of the equipment box.

"This is your personal weapon. Shall we name it?"

It wasn't until Akiko's 'sense of ritual' gradually faded that Amamiya spoke up at the opportune moment: "After all, from now on it will be Akiko's new weapon."

The weapon that Azuko used in Arius's squad was called "Scorpio".

And now...

"Let's call it... 'Camellia'."

Akiko's soft sigh, and the almost thoughtless naming that followed, gave Amamiya a peculiar feeling that was both unexpected and not so unexpected...

Previously a phantom thief in Shibuya, Tokyo, Amamiya often worked at a flower shop to cultivate her "charm" attributes. Her knowledge of various flowers... while not at the level of a professional, is definitely richer than that of the average person.

The camellia flower, besides reminding Amamiya of the lyrics of a certain song, "Come and kill all the camellias in my heart..."

Its flower language is also extremely beautiful.

The camellia flower symbolizes: "reserved and introverted, innocent and pure, lovely, perfect charm, true feelings, ideal love, and elegance."

Amamiya has reason to believe that Azuko chose the name "Camellia" simply because of the preciousness of camellias, their long flowering period, and their suitability for growth in warm climates, making them "easy to grow and very beautiful".

However, it must be said that... from the perspective of flower language, the meaning of white camellias perfectly corresponds to the characteristics of Ajinko.

With a sigh, Amamiya turned her gaze to Yuriko, wondering if the naming of Azuko would have any impact.

Yuriko responded with a calm smile that said "No problem".

"This one……"

Akiko carefully held the gun to her chest: "I'll take it."

I felt Azuko's pure and innocent emotions...

[My bond with Azuko has deepened...]

【Azuko Shirabe (Hope) ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆】

[★6 Bond Ability "First Bloom Camellia" is now unlocked!]

Chapter Sixty-Two: The Sisters' Awakening...?

Around noon, the firing range in the Xialai residential area was filled with the intermittent sounds of various light and medium weapons firing.

The tall, blue-haired girl standing in front of the shooting platform wore protective gear, held her newly acquired rifle, aimed precisely, and fired in bursts.

Brass-colored bullet casings were ejected as she repeatedly pulled the trigger, landing one after another on the target platform.

After finishing a round of shooting, she took a breath while maintaining a tactical shooting stance, and then removed the protective gear from her head.

"Saori, how's the new weapon?"

"...I'm still getting used to it a little, but overall, the experience is definitely better than the gun I used before."

Amamiya then looked at Hiyori, who was holding a marksman rifle: "How is Hiyori's experience using it? Is there anything you're not used to?"

Hiyori smiled 'hehehe' while shaking her head repeatedly.

“I will cherish this ‘proof of a new life’ that Sensei specially prepared for me…”

……very good.

It seems that Hiyori has no objections to her new equipment.

Finally, Amamiya looked at Misaki, who was testing a submachine gun.

Without him even asking, the black-haired girl, who had already finished her round of venting her anger, had already given her answer.

"I haven't tried the recoilless rifle yet. But the submachine gun experience is great."

She paused, then continued, "...it makes up for the shortcomings in close-to-mid-range combat."

The students in Arios's squad are all 'elites among elites'.

Even as elites, they cannot fully demonstrate their skills and abilities when their equipment is inadequate.

Therefore... on Yuriko's recommendation, they changed to a completely new set of "main weapons" and also added a variety of new equipment to make up for their shortcomings.

Hiyori switched to the "M39 EMR Enhanced Marksman Rifle," which is more suitable for small-team operations;

In addition to replacing her rifle, Saori also added an "M320 grenade launcher" that can use multiple types of ammunition;

Misaki's main weapon was changed to the "Gustav Recoilless Cannon"; the types of ammunition she used were also enriched - she even added a "PP19 Submachine Gun" for mid-to-close range combat when she didn't need fire support or was being attacked at close range.

"It seems... everyone is quite satisfied with the new equipment."

After receiving responses from the members of Arius's squad, Amamiya looked at Yuriko, who had accompanied him throughout the weapon test firing, parts replacement and debugging process.

The fox-eared girl, who had taken in Amamiya's thoughts, simply nodded calmly with an expression that said, "Everything is unfolding as expected."

After all, it's equipment tailored to individual and squad needs, combat habits, and various other parameters...

After confirming that everything was correct, Yuriko took the PAD, skillfully found the weapon customization contract, and signed her name at the end.

"If you need any accessories or other items, you can visit Xia Lai's 'Fox Workshop' anytime during the morning or evening hours on weekdays."

"...Or, you can send me a message on my momotalk directly, and I will respond as soon as possible."

Saori lowered her head and carefully examined the new weapon in her hand.

Before joining Sharai, Arius's squad, which often walked the line between the shadows and the underworld, certainly knew the importance of weapons.

They also understand more clearly the effort required for "tailor-made" solutions, especially when it comes to weapons.

After a moment of silence, she gave Yuriko a slight bow in thanks: "...Thank you."

Yuriko waved her hand dismissively: "It's for Xia Lai's future safety, no need to thank me."

"Remember this very carefully..."

"Regularly maintain your weapons..."

After thinking about it, Yuriko felt there was no need to give any more instructions.

After all, given the dangerous nature of Arios's squad, which often requires them to "dance on the edge of a knife," they shouldn't be so indifferent to the most crucial parameter: "weapon reliability."

After a pause, Yuriko, waving her large fox tail, immediately changed her tune: "...Regular maintenance, parts replacement, and adjustments are all free within the 'quota' limits. Don't be stingy or try to save money."

"All acceptance procedures have been completed. Thank you for your trust in 'Fox Workshop'."

Before leaving, Yuriko didn't forget to switch to "business mode" and promote her Fox Workshop.

After saying goodbye to Amamiya and Arius's team, Yuriko hurriedly left, seemingly having other things to do.

As for Arius's team... after completing the weapons testing, they naturally did not choose to stay at the firing range any longer.

Now, they can be considered the 'sharp edge' of Xia Lai, and they need to be vigilant about any unusual situations that may occur around Xia Lai. They usually patrol the area around Xia Lai's office building regularly to keep watch.

After changing into a whole new set of Xia Lai-style equipment, they completely shed the leaden gray somberness that belonged to Alios, and bid farewell to that difficult and indescribable past.

As for their old set of equipment... of course they won't discard it.