I became a heart-stealing thief in Azure Files

"I see."

Amamiya turned and headed to the kitchen.

"I will make a trip to the Millennium later. I will also visit the conference while I'm there."

Chapter 72 What is Kai's Special Martial Arts Tournament?

"Oh... I never expected that the next academy to host the 'Akawa Grand Festival' would be like this..."

The tram doors opened with a 'whoosh,' and the brown-gray-haired girl with glasses instinctively shielded her eyes with her hands, adjusting to the sudden change in brightness.

Peeking through her fingers, Moe surveyed the towering buildings before her, and at the heart of the complex, the faintly visible logo of the Millennium Science Academy. Her excited tone carried a hint of intoxicated wonder.

"This is the essence of 'technology'!"

Hearing this, Amamiya, who was also picking up her shoulder bag and preparing to get off the bus, forced a smile.

The air of 'technology'...

In reality, what Moe is more concerned about is the excessive excitement brought about by the danger and stimulation created by the moment when the "high-tech creation" goes out of control.

"Sensei, are we heading straight to the legendary 'Cyber ​​Witch's Clock Tower' next?"

Amamiya: "...So, Moe, where did you get all these adjectives from? How come they keep changing?"

“That’s what they say online.” Moe waved the phone she’d been holding, which displayed search results for “Millennium Technology Academy, Engineering Department.” “Now, when facing the creations of ‘Millennium Technology,’ we should approach them with reverence, whether in use or routine maintenance…”

There will be segments called "The Machine Soul is Displeased" and "The Machine Soul is Greatly Rejoiced," right?

Amamiya shook his head.

After getting off the bus, Moe started looking around constantly, seemingly observing the scenery, but actually paying close attention to the various light weapons carried by the passing Millennium students.

And the Millennium Technology Academy... is an academy where science-loving girls gather, and genius is merely the entry requirement...

Considering overall physical strength and other limitations, the vast majority of Millennium students would choose conventional light weapons such as pistols and submachine guns.

Alternatively, they might go to the 'other extreme' in terms of firepower, like Yuriko did.

Moe Art primarily focuses on the 'heavy firepower' of the Millennium Students—perhaps influenced by the changes in the Engineering Department's style, some of the heavy weapons carried by the Millennium Students have gradually adopted a 'Witch Lolita' style of paintwork.

Similarly, due to the upcoming "Kōrin Daisai" (Great Festival of the Shinonome), the atmosphere in the Millennium Autonomous Region has undergone some subtle and imperceptible changes compared to the past.

As Amamiya rushed to the Engineering Department with Moe, she noticed that there were more students from other colleges, large and small, coming and going from the millennium than before.

Perhaps due to the influx of people brought by these outsiders, the entire millennium-old region has lost its usual "high-efficiency, fast-paced, and busy" style.

"Sensei, what kind of firearms do you like?"

"My go-to weapon is a pistol, especially large-caliber pistols like .44, .45, and .50. As a phantom thief, when facing enemies from another world, caliber is usually the only truth."

"Really... Hehehe... So, Sensei is also a firepower enthusiast?"

【~???~】(Cute illustration)

While chatting with Moe about topics related to 'firepower', Amamiya arrived at the engineering department building, which was known to outsiders as the "Cyber ​​Witch's Clock Tower".

Similarly, due to the preparations for the Akawa Grand Festival, the engineering department members who were responsible for part of the site construction and equipment maintenance also became busy.

"It's really bustling with activity..."

Looking up at the engineering department building's fantastical architectural style, Moe began, as always, to observe the people coming and going around her—especially the weapons they carried.

Her gaze was quickly drawn to a shadow carrying an enormous weapon the size of a coffin on its back.

"……Um?"

What is that? Some kind of special heavy weapon?

How could an ordinary student possibly have such great power?

Out of curiosity, Moe chewed the lollipop with a "crunch" and tugged at Amamiya's clothes.

"Sensei...do you know those students over there?"

Even without Moe pointing it out, Amamiya had already discovered the 'special scene' that happened near the entrance to the engineering department.

As Amamiya moved a little closer, he heard Alice's energetic and lively voice.

"The legendary cyber witch, a master craftswoman of a thousand years, a towering creator, someone Alice regards as her mother..."

First, she read out a long string of "titles" that made the three girls in the engineering department either blush with embarrassment, feel maternal, or fall into rare silence. Then, Alice tilted her head back, her expression filled with a seemingly natural, sparkling, and irresistible longing.

"Alice, I have a 'special request'..."

Uncharacteristically silent, Cortoline adjusted her distinctive teardrop-shaped glasses, then couldn't resist gently rubbing Alice's sparkling cheeks, asking softly, "...Little Alice, is there any 'special request'?"

After Cortori "set a bad precedent," Utahara, overwhelmed by maternal instincts, immediately moved closer and hugged Alice, who was starting to look a little uncomfortable.

"Since it's a request from Alice... we'll do our best to complete it."

Hibiki stood there, blushing and embarrassed, somewhat at a loss, but also curious about Alice's unique way of making the request.

"This 'special request' originated from Kai..."

"Alice wants to equip Kai with a 'personalized weapon' that's perfect for him!"

...Exclusive weapon?

The three girls from the engineering department exchanged glances briefly, their eyes then falling on the "Sword of Light" that Alice was carrying on her back.

If what Kay needs is a weapon of this naval gun level... even disregarding budget and cost, it's still a laborious and time-consuming matter.

"Kay's equipment preference is 'Guardian'. She wants to equip herself with defensive weapons, preferably weapons that can quickly unleash firepower while also providing a protective function..."

After reiterating Kai's weapon preferences in a way that leaned towards gaming terminology, Alice looked at the three engineering girls with pitifully cute, sparkling eyes.

'A weapon biased towards "Guard" class...'

The weapon concept in the minds of the three, Utahara, was changed from a ship cannon to a "beam saber" for close combat.

With the current technical capabilities of the engineering department, it is not impossible to create such technology, but the reasons are similar to those for the Sword of Light... Although the weapon is top-notch, the budget is too large, and it is laborious and time-consuming.

However, if it's a lower-tier product resulting from budget cuts, its performance might be somewhat unsatisfactory...

As the three girls from the Engineering Department brainstormed their whimsical ideas, Moe, who had keenly sensed the topic that interested her, grabbed Amamiya's wrist and quickened her pace to get closer to the Engineering Department.

"What...weapons?"

Moe's eyes lit up, her words filled with an indescribable excitement: "Guardian weapons? Shotguns? Or large-caliber pistols? Or... heavy assault rifles?"

Her sudden interruption drew the attention of the three engineering girls and Alice.

The girls looked puzzled when they saw the cute illustrations.

Then they noticed Amamiya.

"Ah, Sensei... I didn't expect you to visit the engineering department at this time."

"Did Sensei come to our engineering department to manufacture weapons? Or is it to find out what the engineering department has been up to lately? Whether it's the former or the latter, as long as Sensei wants to know, I can give Sensei a detailed answer!"

Unlike Utahara's seriousness and Cortoline's liveliness, Hibiki is the most 'reserved'.

"Sensei..."

The dog ears on its head twitched, and it gave a simple greeting: "Good afternoon... Are you here at the engineering department because you have any special needs?"

Amamiya smiled and replied, "I've come to see everyone."

【~???~】(Utahara, Katori, Hibiki)

After subtly winning her favor through simple pleasantries, Amamiya then became curious: "The atmosphere in the engineering department these days..."

"It's in preparation for the Akawa Grand Festival," Utahara explained simply. "The engineering department, while not directly participating in the official sports meet... plans to participate in cheering."

Participate in the support...

In other words, you have to wear support outfits, stand in the support stands, cheer for the contestants, and liven up the atmosphere at the event...?

Noticing the subtle change in Amamiya's expression, Cortori responded repeatedly.

"Mmm...! Anyway, it's pretty much what Sensei thought. Except for Yuriko, we've all prepared a set of support outfits~"

"And Yuriko will be in charge of other tasks such as aerial photography and event scheduling..."

Once Cortoline starts talking, she can't stop.

Knowing this, Amamiya interrupted before Cortori could get into her rhythm: "So... what is everyone doing now?"

Are they preparing weapons for Alice?

It was Utahara who answered Amamiya's question.

"No, not really. We were just making preparations for moving supplies when we happened to run into Alice, who had come looking for us..."

When weapons were mentioned, Utahara suddenly noticed Moe again.

"By the way...〆（九）?s??林熘罒Q?翅岜栮紦 This, uh... unknown classmate. Do you have any special opinions on weapons?"

"I have my opinion!!"

Moe nodded repeatedly, then carefully examined the large iron block, about the size of a coffin, behind Alice.

As she got closer, she could see more clearly—this was clearly not a conventional heavy weapon.

This is... a special weapon of the main battle cannon class for a star cruiser!

Students from a thousand years ago actually use this?!

One full-power naval gun shot... hehehe... penetrating an entire large city... wouldn't be a problem, would it...?

Before I express my opinion, can I know... what this thing is?

"That one, it's us..."

Cortoline had an enthusiastic expression that said, "Hey, I've been waiting for you to ask."

Then, before she could speak, Kahara briefly explained, "Our engineering department's 'masterpiece,' a weapon called 'Sword of Light: Supernova'... was originally designed as a naval cannon. But it unexpectedly became usable by Alice, so we made modifications such as energy storage and accumulating to allow Alice to use it as a weapon."

Meng Hui took a deep breath, her face filled with an almost pathological longing and yearning.

This firepower...

"I can see..."

“No, this is Alice’s binding equipment.” Kahara waved his hand. “To prevent special circumstances from occurring, it cannot be operated by any other student besides Alice.”

"All right……"

Meng Hui pouted, lowered her head in disappointment, and sighed.

She was quite disappointed that she hadn't been able to touch the ship's cannon that brought her such joy.

"Regarding the combination of firepower..."

Amamiya spoke up at the opportune moment: "...In short, Kai is a weapon that needs to protect Alice, right?"

"So... how about considering a 'heavy rifle'?"

Chapter 73 The Engineering Department's support uniforms are the cutest!

The engineering department of the Millennium Technology Academy is truly one of the most amazing places in the entire Gevotos.

—The above is a summary of what Moe saw and felt after visiting most of the engineering department's facilities.

“This gun…”

The rotary machine gun, with its cold, hard metallic texture and millennia-old-style paint job, leans against a gun rack, surrounded by green vines and graced by holographic butterflies made of light, amidst a natural environment.

Sensing Moe's longing for powerful firepower, Cortori slowed her pace.

"Huh huh huh~"

The blonde, red-eyed girl, her ahoge standing on end, puffed out her chest, hands on her hips, and chuckled confidently three times: "Impressive, isn't it? This gun, named 'Professor K,' is the best result of my personal improvements! Putting aside everything else, at least in terms of firepower and reliability, it's definitely among the best in the millennium!"

After finishing her 'reflection,' Cortori's ahoge (cowlick) seemed to be attracted by a signal and tilted towards Amamiya.

"Sensei... what do you think of the latest, well-organized technology tree—'Eden Technology'—designed jointly by the Engineering Department and the Paranormal Phenomena Investigation Department?"

How does it feel?

Amamiya withdrew the scene that had been lingering there, which resembled a game setting and looked like the "place where the holy sword slumbers," and sincerely praised and acknowledged: "At least in terms of stylization and versatility, it is impeccable."

【~???~】(Cortori, Hibiki, Utahara)